A low-rise building is an enclosed building divided into fewer than 10 occupiable levels at regular intervals. Low-rise buildings must have at least one floor above ground; if all floors are below ground, then it is listed as an underground building.

Additions and adjoining wings on a low-rise building are generally included as modules within the same building if their interiors are connected or if they were built as a single construction project.

Low-rise buildings must be based on solid ground, with a fabricated framework. Structures which are mobile or which are built into the earth are not considered low-rise buildings.