Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Use (Material): Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define use (material), 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.

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Direct answer

Use (material) 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: “Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IBC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Definitions (IFC 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?

Use (Material) — IBC 2009, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy:

Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Use (Material): Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define use (material), where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Use (Material), in identical words.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IBC 2009	Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.
IFC 2009	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.

Where use (material) is used in the code

The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Definitions	IBC 2009	1
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	1
Definitions	IFC 2009	1
Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	IFC 2009	1

Use (Material): 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
Read the definition in the adopted IFC	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IBC 2009)
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 (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 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.

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 use (material)?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy as: “Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.” 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 use (material)?

In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Definitions 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 IS codes for building materials?

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 use (material), which the IBC 2009 defines as “Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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