ICC 64 key terms

The grouping of a building or portion of it by the purpose for which it is used or intended to be used, which determines the applicable construction type, height, area, and fire protection rules.

A specific category within the code's classification system, such as assembly, business, educational, factory, hazardous, institutional, mercantile, residential, storage, or utility, each carrying its own requirements.

A building containing two or more occupancy classifications, which may be regulated either as a single occupancy with separations or as separate occupancies each meeting its own height and area limits.

A subordinate use that is ancillary to the main occupancy, is not classified separately, and must be limited in area relative to the floor it occupies.

A space that supports the principal occupancy but presents a distinct hazard, such as a boiler room or storage room, and must be separated from the rest of the building by fire-rated construction.

A classification describing how much of a building's structure is noncombustible and how much fire resistance the structural elements provide, ranging from the most protected noncombustible type to combustible wood framing.

The maximum floor area permitted for a building or occupancy, calculated from a base table value adjusted for frontage, sprinklers, and the number of stories.

The maximum vertical dimension permitted for a building, measured variously in feet or stories depending on construction type and occupancy, and adjusted for automatic sprinkler protection.

An allowance that increases permitted building area when a structure has open perimeter space facing a street or public way, because fire department access and ventilation are improved.

The horizontal clear distance measured from the exterior wall of a building to the nearest lot line, centerline of a street, or other building on the same lot.

The period of time, expressed in hours, that a building element resists the passage of fire and heat when tested under a standard fire exposure.

A fire-resistance-rated wall or horizontal assembly that restricts the spread of fire and is designed to remain standing under fire exposure, typically used to separate occupancies or exit routes.

A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly that is less restrictive than a fire barrier and is commonly used to separate dwelling units, guest rooms, or corridors from other spaces.

The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls, or horizontal assemblies, used to determine when certain fire protection features are required.

A fire-resistance-rated wall with protected openings that extends continuously from the foundation through the roof and is intended to allow adjoining structures to be treated as separate buildings.

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way, consisting of the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.

The portion of a means of egress that leads from an occupied space to an exit, such as an aisle, corridor, or room passageway.

The portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit and a public way, including exterior balconies, walkways, and yards.

The measured length along the path of egress travel from the most remote point in a space to an exit, limited by occupancy and whether the building is sprinklered.

The portion of exit access travel before an occupant reaches a point where two separate routes to an exit are available.

The total number of persons that a space or building is designed to hold, computed by dividing floor area by a tabulated factor or by counting fixed seats.

The clear capacity of a corridor, stair, door, or other egress component, calculated by multiplying occupant load by a per-person factor and applying minimum dimensional requirements.

Illuminated signage and battery-backed or generator-backed lighting that identify and light the path of egress so occupants can find exits when normal power fails.

A network of piping and heat-activated heads that discharges water automatically over a fire area, often permitting increases in height and area and reductions in other fire protection features.

A fixed piping system with valves and hose connections that supplies water for firefighting operations inside a building, especially in tall or large structures.

An integrated arrangement of initiating devices, notification appliances, and control equipment that detects a fire condition and warns occupants and responders.

A designated room containing fire protection system controls, annunciators, and communications equipment used by the fire department during an emergency in high-rise or large buildings.

A building with an occupied floor located more than a specified height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, triggering additional requirements such as sprinklers and standby power.

The load-bearing assembly of columns, girders, and beams that supports floors and roof, whose material and fire protection determine the building's construction classification.

A combustible construction method using large solid wood members of specified minimum dimensions, which achieves fire resistance through charring rather than applied protection.

The load produced by the use and occupancy of a building, including occupants, furniture, and movable equipment, which the structure must safely support.

The permanent weight of building materials and fixed equipment, including structural members, walls, floors, roofs, and attached finishes.

The continuous route by which gravity, wind, and seismic forces travel from their point of application through structural members down to the foundation.

The structural system's capacity to resist horizontal loads from wind and earthquakes, provided by shear walls, braced frames, moment frames, or diaphragms.

A classification assigned to a structure based on its occupancy risk and the seismic hazard at its site, which sets the detailing and analysis requirements that apply.

The amount a structural member bends or displaces under load, which must be limited to prevent cracking, ponding, or damage to nonstructural elements.

The submittal and technical examination of construction documents by the code official before a building permit is issued, verifying compliance with the adopted code.

The written authorization issued by the code official that allows construction, alteration, or demolition work to begin in accordance with approved plans.

A document issued after final inspection confirming that a building or space complies with the code and may lawfully be occupied for its stated use.

A change in the purpose or use of a building or space that may trigger new code requirements for separations, egress, height and area, and accessibility.

Any construction or renovation that changes the arrangement, structural system, or exit access of a building, which may require a permit and code upgrades.

A written directive issued by the code official requiring that work halt because it is proceeding contrary to the code or approved plans.

The power of the code official and designated inspectors to enter premises, conduct inspections, require testing, and approve or reject work during construction.

The last verification by the code official that completed work conforms to approved plans and code requirements before occupancy is authorized.