Building Code Glossary
Truss Design Drawing: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define truss design drawing, 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
Truss design drawing is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “The graphic depiction of an individual truss, which describes the design and physical characteristics of the truss.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wood (IBC 2009), Roof-ceiling Construction (IRC 2009), Floors (IRC 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?
Truss Design Drawing — IRC 2009, Definitions:
The graphic depiction of an individual truss, which describes the design and physical characteristics of the truss.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Truss Design Drawing is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
The graphic depiction of an individual truss, which describes the design and physical characteristics of the truss.
Where truss design drawing is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | IBC 2009 | 40 |
| Roof-ceiling Construction | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| Steel | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about truss design drawing, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where required by the registered design professional, the building official or the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed, each individual truss design drawing shall bear the seal and signature of the truss designer.
Truss design drawing shall be provided with the shipment of trusses delivered to the jobsite.
Truss Design Drawing: 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 IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof-ceiling Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Floors (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Steel (IBC 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 truss design drawing?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “The graphic depiction of an individual truss, which describes the design and physical characteristics of the truss.” 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 truss design drawing?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Wood 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 building code requirements for trusses?
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 truss design drawing, which the IRC 2009 defines as “The graphic depiction of an individual truss, which describes the design and physical characteristics of the truss.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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