Michigan building code

Codes in force in Michigan

Each code family with the edition and the date it took effect, as the adopting agency or statute states them.

Adopted by: Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule².

Scope, amendments and transition rules

International Residential Code (IRC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Applies to

Detached 1- and 2-family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories, and accessory structures¹

Local amendments allowed?

No²

Next edition (not yet in force)

2021 IRC-based rule set (2022-16 LR) enjoined; not in effect³

International Building Code (IBC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

Energy code, residential

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

Next edition (not yet in force)

2021 IECC residential rule set (2021-48 LR) enjoined; not in effect³

Energy code, commercial

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Applies to

Buildings and structures, not including residential buildings¹

Local amendments allowed?

No²

International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Scope

Statewide; applies everywhere²

Local amendments allowed?

No²

How Michigan adopts building codes

MCL 125.1504; MCL 125.1508a; MCL 125.1508b

• Michigan has one state construction code, promulgated by the director. (1) The director shall prepare and promulgate the state construction code consisting of rules governing the construction, use, and occupation of buildings and structures, including land area incidental to the buildings and structures, the manufacture and installation of building components and equipment, the construction and installation of premanufactured units, the standards and requirements for materials to be used in connection with the units, and other requirements relating to the safety, including safety from fire, and sanitation facilities of the buildings and structures.²
• The code consists of the I-codes and the NEC, with state changes. (2) The code shall consist of the international residential code, the international building code, the international mechanical code, the international plumbing code, the international existing building code, and the international energy conservation code published by the international code council and the national electrical code published by the national fire prevention association, with amendments, additions, or deletions as the director determines appropriate.²
• Non-residential codes update at least every 3 years. (5) The director shall add, amend, and rescind rules to update the Michigan building code, the Michigan mechanical code, the Michigan plumbing code, the Michigan rehabilitation code for existing buildings, the Michigan electrical code, and the commercial chapters of the Michigan energy code not less than once every 3 years to coincide with the national code change cycle.²
• Residential code updates every 3 to 6 years. Commencing with the 2015 national code change cycle, the director shall add, amend, and rescind rules to simultaneously update all chapters of the Michigan residential code not less frequently than once every 6 years or more frequently than once every 3 years as the director determines is appropriate.²
• Local governments may assume enforcement by ordinance; otherwise the director enforces. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the director is responsible for administration and enforcement of this act and the code.²
• Governmental subdivision may assume enforcement by ordinance. A governmental subdivision may by ordinance assume responsibility for administration and enforcement of this act within its political boundary.²
• 2021 residential code and residential energy rule sets are on hold. The order temporarily prevents LARA from “taking additional steps necessary to apply or implement” two rule sets that would update the Michigan Residential Code and residential Energy Code chapter while the litigation remains ongoing.³
• Rule sets were set to take effect Aug. 29, 2025. Both rule sets would adopt, in part, the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) residential standards and were set to become effective on August 29, 2025.³
• 2015 residential code and residential energy provisions remain in effect during the order. While this stipulated order remains in place, the 2015 versions of the IRC and residential provisions of the IECC standards currently adopted, in part, by each rule set will remain valid and in effect.³
• The hold notice was still linked in What's New on the Bureau home page. 2021 Michigan Residential Code Notification…⁴

Applies to

(1) This act and the code apply throughout the state.²

Can local rules be stricter?

No²

What local governments may change

MCL 125.1508a(1); MCL 125.1524; MCL 125.1508b(11); MCL 339.6125(1)

• Act and code apply statewide. (1) This act and the code apply throughout the state.²
• Local construction regulations are treated as repealed. Six months after the promulgation of the code and thereafter, construction regulations adopted by a governmental subdivision shall be considered repealed and invalid, except as provided in section 8.²
• Local powers otherwise remain. (11) Except as otherwise provided in this act, this act does not limit or restrict existing powers or authority of governmental subdivisions, and this act shall be enforced by governmental subdivisions in the manner prescribed by local law or ordinance.²
• No local plumbing licensing. Sec. 1125. (1) A governmental subdivision may not exempt itself from the licensing requirements of this article and may not engage in or require local licensing.⁵

Residential code in Michigan cities

The edition each city enforces, from the city’s own adoption page or ordinance.

For permits, exemptions and owner-builder rules, see Michigan building permits. To compare editions across states, see the code adoption map.