Search the building code.

• IBC 202

  24-hour basis

  • The time a person actually stays in a facility to receive care; a facility merely open around the clock for visits doesn't count.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  AAC masonry

  • Masonry of unreinforced autoclaved aerated concrete units laid in thin- or thick-bed mortar.

  Works withIBC Chapter 21

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Accessible

  • A site, building or part of one that meets the accessibility chapter.

  Works withIBC Chapter 11

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Accessible means of egress

  • An unbroken, unobstructed egress path from any accessible point in a building to a public way.

  Works withIBC 1009

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Accessible route

  • A continuous, unobstructed path that meets the accessibility chapter.

  Works withIBC Chapter 11

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Accessible unit

  • A dwelling or sleeping unit built to the Accessible-unit provisions of ICC A117.1.

  Works withIBC Chapter 11

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Accreditation body

  • An approved third party, independent of grading agencies and mills, that accredits and keeps monitoring lumber grading and inspection agencies.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Addition

  • Any increase in a building's floor area, number of stories or height.

  Works withIEBC

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Adhered masonry veneer

  • Veneer held on and supported by an approved bonding material over an approved backing.

  Works withIBC Chapter 14

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Adobe construction

  • Exterior walls of unfired clay units, with wood or other approved floors, roofs and framing. Stabilized adobe has admixtures such as emulsified asphalt to limit water absorption; unstabilized adobe doesn't.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Aerosol container

  • A metal or plastic can up to 33.8 fl oz (1000 ml), or glass up to 4 fl oz (118 ml), built to dispense an aerosol.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Aerosol product

  • Container, propellant and contents together, graded by chemical heat of combustion: Level 1 up to 8,600 Btu/lb, Level 2 over 8,600 up to 13,000 Btu/lb, Level 3 over 13,000 Btu/lb.

  Works withIFC

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Aggregate

  • In roofing, crushed stone or slag, or water-worn gravel, used to surface a roof covering.

  Works withIBC Chapter 15

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Agricultural building

  • A structure for farm implements, crops, poultry or livestock; not lived in, not used by the public and not a place where farm products are processed or packaged.

  Works withIBC 312

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Air-impermeable insulation

  • Insulation with air permeance of 0.02 L/s·m² or less at 75 Pa, tested to ASTM E283 or E2178.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Air-inflated structure

  • A structure enclosed by air-pressurized beams or arches; occupants stay outside the pressurized elements.

  Works withIBC 3102

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Air-supported structure

  • A structure shaped by air pressure with occupants inside the pressurized space; single skin, or double skin with an inner liner and airspace.

  Works withIBC 3102

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Aisle

  • An unenclosed part of the exit access that defines the egress path.

  Works withIBC 1018

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Aisle accessway

  • The part of the exit access that leads to an aisle.

  Works withIBC 1018IBC 1029

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Alarm notification appliance

  • A fire alarm device such as a bell, horn, speaker, strobe or text display giving audible, tactile or visible output.

  Works withIBC 907

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Alarm signal

  • A signal of an emergency, such as fire, that needs immediate action.

  Works withIBC 907

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Alarm verification feature

  • A detection feature that cuts false alarms by requiring smoke detectors to hold or re-confirm an alarm after an automatic reset.

  Works withIBC 907

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Allowable stress design

  • Sizing members so elastic stresses under nominal loads stay within allowable stresses; also called working stress design.

  Works withIBC 1605

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Alteration

  • Construction or renovation of an existing structure that isn't a repair or an addition.

  Works withIEBC

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Alternating tread device

  • A steep stair of 50 to 70 degrees with alternating treads, usually on a center rail, so both feet are never on the same level.

  Works withIBC 1011.14

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Ambulatory care facility

  • A building giving medical, surgical, psychiatric or nursing care for less than 24 hours to people made unable to save themselves by the treatment, or already unable.

  Works withIBC 304IBC 422

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Anchor building

  • An exterior perimeter building, not Group H, with direct access to a mall but its own independent exits.

  Works withIBC 402

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Anchored masonry veneer

  • Veneer held to an approved backing with approved mechanical fasteners.

  Works withIBC Chapter 14

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Annular space

  • The gap around a penetrating item.

  Works withIBC 714

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Annunciator

  • A panel of lamps or displays, each showing the status of a circuit, condition or location.

  Works withIBC 907

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Approved

  • Acceptable to the building official.

  Works withIBC 104

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Approved agency

  • A recognized testing, inspection, evaluation or certification organization that the building official has approved.

  Works withIBC 1703

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Approved fabricator

  • A qualified fabricator approved by the building official under the special inspection chapter.

  Works withIBC Chapter 17IBC 1704.2.5

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Approved source

  • An independent person or firm, approved by the building official, competent to analyze materials, methods or systems.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Area (for masonry)

  • Gross cross-sectional area uses the out-to-out specified dimensions; net cross-sectional area counts only the units, grout and mortar cut by the plane.

  Works withIBC Chapter 21

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Area, building

  • The area inside the exterior walls (or exterior and fire walls), excluding vent shafts and courts; unwalled areas under a roof or floor above are included.

  Works withIBC 506

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Area of refuge

  • A space where people who can't use stairs can wait safely for instructions or help during an evacuation.

  Works withIBC 1009.6

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Area of sport activity

  • The part of an indoor or outdoor space where a sport is played or practiced.

  Works withIBC Chapter 11

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Areaway

  • A below-grade space next to a building, open at the top or covered by a grate or guard.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Atrium

  • A vertical space closed at the top connecting two or more stories in Groups I-2 and I-3, or three or more stories elsewhere.

  Works withIBC 404

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Attic

  • The space between the top story's ceiling framing and the underside of the roof.

  Works withIBC 1202.2

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Audible alarm notification appliance

  • A notification appliance that alerts by sound.

  Works withIBC 907.5.2.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic

  • For fire protection, operating without people, triggered by a set temperature, rate of rise or combustion products.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic fire-extinguishing system

  • An approved system that detects a fire and discharges an approved agent on it automatically.

  Works withIBC 904

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic flush bolt

  • Hardware on the inactive leaf of a pair that bolts it shut when the active leaf closes, and releases when the active leaf opens.

  Works withIBC 1010.2.4

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic smoke detection system

  • A fire alarm system using smoke detectors to give early warning for a room or area.

  Works withIBC 907

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic sprinkler system

  • An integrated network of piping and sprinklers designed to fire protection standards.

  Works withIBC 903

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Automatic water mist system

  • A water supply, pressure source and piping with nozzles that discharge fine droplets meeting NFPA 750 to control or put out fire; wet, dry or preaction types.

  Works withIBC 904

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Average ambient sound level

  • The A-weighted RMS sound level over 24 hours, or over the time people are present if shorter.

  Works withIBC 907.5.2.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Awning

  • A light frame with a covering, attached to and partly or wholly supported by a building, for weather protection, identity or decoration.

  Works withIBC 3105

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Backing

  • The wall or surface a veneer is fixed to.

  Works withIBC Chapter 14

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Balanced door

  • A door on double-pivot hardware that swings partly counterbalanced.

  Works withIBC 1010

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Baled cotton

  • Seed fiber wrapped and banded in burlap, polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton; includes linters and motes. Densely packed bales are at least 22 pcf and about 55 × 21 × 27.6 to 35.4 in.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Ballast

  • In roofing, large stones or pavers that hold down a roof system not adhered or fastened to the deck.

  Works withIBC Chapter 15

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Barricade

  • A structure or natural or artificial barrier that shields exposures from an explosion; an artificial mound must be at least 3 ft thick, and natural features must block the line of sight.

  Works withIFC

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Base flood

  • The flood with a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year.

  Works withIBC 1612

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Base flood elevation

  • The base flood's elevation, including wave height, on the datum shown on the FIRM.

  Works withIBC 1612

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Basement

  • Any story that isn't a story above grade plane. The flood-load chapter uses its own meaning.

  Works withIBC 1612

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Basement (for flood loads)

  • For flood loads only: any part of a building whose floor is below ground on all sides.

  Works withIBC 1612

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 202

  Basic wind speed, V

  • The design wind speed found under the loads chapter.

  Works withIBC 1609

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 2, DefinitionsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

Searches all 4,276 IRC 2024 sections, 5,532 IBC 2024 sections and defined terms (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 so far) and each city's local rules as they are added. Section numbers and titles from the International Residential Code and International Building Code, 2024 editions, copyrighted by the International Code Council; the IRC's electrical chapters (34 to 43) follow NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. Requirements are summarized in our words (IRC Chapters 3 to 43, IBC Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33); read the full text at the link on each result. Local values come from each city's published documents.