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Updated 12/01/2023
Answers based on Michigan Codes.

Q. When will the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code take effect?

A. The 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code will take effect 3/12/2024. See here for Part 7 Administrative Rules incorporating the 2021 version International Plumbing Code. 

Q. When will the 2023 Michigan Electrical Code take effect?

A. The 2023 Michigan Electrical Code will take effect 3/12/2024. See here for Part 8 Administrative Rules incorporating the 2023 version of 2023 NEC. 

Q. When will the 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code take effect?

A. The 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code will take effect 3/12/2024. See here for Part 9A Administrative Rules incorporating the 2021 version International Mechanical Code.


Q. Where can I find the form to submit code change requests?

A. Forms to submit changes can be found here.  


Q. When will the 2015 Michigan multi-family and non-residential Energy Code (Part 10a Rules) take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Michigan multi-family and non-residential Energy Code (Part 10a Rules) took effect 9/20/2017
Part 10a Rules.

Q. When will the 2015 Michigan Building Code take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Building Code took effect 4/20/2017.

Q. When will the 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code took effect 4/20/2017.

Q. When will the 2015 Michigan Mechanical Code take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code took effect 4/12/2017.

Q. When will the 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code took effect 12/13/2016.

Q. Where can I find the Affidavit Claiming Exemption from School Operating Millage Levied for Construction.
A. The Affidavit Claiming Exemption from School Operating Millage can be found here.

Q. Where can I find the corrections to the printed version of the 2105 Michigan Residential Code? 
A. The Bureau of Construction Codes has posted an advisory here.  More corrections are pending.

Q. What is the correct code section regarding the use of building cavities as return air plenums in the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.
A. The Bureau of Construction Codes has posted an advisory here. The provisions of M1601.1.1 will govern the use of building cavities for return air plenums.

Q. What is the correct stair geometry in the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.
A. The Bureau of Construction Codes has posted an advisory here. Stair geometry remains at 8-1/4" x 9".

Q. Who is qualified to do blower-door testing under the 2016 Michigan Residential Code?
A. The Bureau of Construction Codes has posted an advisory here.

Q. When will the 2015 Michigan Residential Code take effect?
A. The 2015 Michigan Residential Code took effect 2/8/2016.

Q. Where can I get help with the wall bracing required by R602.10?
A. The APA has recently released a wall line calculator to aid in the design of braced wall lines. The calculator can be accessed at http://www.apawood.org/calculator. Free registration is required.

Q. When will the 2012 Michigan Building Code and the 2012 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings take effect?
A. The 2012 Michigan Building Code and the 2012 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings  took effect October 9th, 2014

Q. Where can I find the schedule for the 2012 Michigan Residential Code review committee?
A. The schedule can be found here.

Q. Where can I buy code books? 
A.  All the codes can be purchased here at the ICC member price. The 2012 Michigan Building Code and the 2012 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings are not yet listed on this LARA page. However, clicking on any of the listed codes will take you to the ICC  Michigan store page where you can select the desired (discounted) code books in printed or PDF format.

Q. Can I read the ICC codes for free?
A. Yes. All the ICC codes can be read for free here.

Q. Can 2 buildings share an elevator?
A. Yes. The STILLE-DEROSSETT-HALE SINGLE STATE CONSTRUCTION CODE ACT (Act 230 of 1972) states in part...
125.1513e Sharing elevator between 2 buildings.
Sec. 13e. This act does not prohibit the sharing of an elevator between 2 buildings as long as the buildings are in compliance with this act, the code, and the following acts and rules promulgated under those acts:
(a) The fire prevention code, 1941 PA 207, MCL 29.1 to 29.34.
(b) 1976 PA 333, MCL 338.2151 to 338.2160.
(c) 1967 PA 227, MCL 408.801 to 408.824.
(d) Any other act or rules regulating elevators in buildings.
History: Add. 2005, Act 50, Imd. Eff. June 23, 2005.

Q. Is latex paint considered a vapor retarder?
A. In general, latex paints have a perm rating of 5.5 to 8.6 perms at .002" (2 mil) thick and are considered Class III vapor retarders. "Vapor Retarder" latex paints have a perm rating of 0.45 perms at .003" (3 mil) thick and are considered Class II vapor retarders.
Manufactures of Vapor retarder paints include:
Benjamin Moore, DeVoe, DuluxSherwin Williams PrepRite, and Sherwin Williams ProMar.
This list is not intended to be all inclusive. Other manufacturers may offer vapor retarder paints.

Q. Can I leave foam insulation exposed in an unfinished basement?
A. Maybe. The 2009 MRC states:
"R316.5.10 Interior finish. Foam plastics shall be permitted as interior finish where approved in accordance with Section R316.6. Foam plastics that are used as interior finish shall also meet the flame spread index and smoke-developed index requirements of Sections R302.9.1 and R302.9.2.

R316.6 Specific approval. Foam plastic not meeting the requirements of Sections R316.3 through R316.5 shall be specifically approved on the basis of one of the following approved tests: NFPA 286 with the acceptance criteria of Section R302.9.4, FM4880, UL 723, UL 1040 or UL 1715, or fire tests related to actual end-use configurations. The specific approval shall be based on the actual end use configuration and shall be performed on the finished foam plastic assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use. Assemblies tested shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation of the assembly and shall be tested in the manner intended for use."

You will need to check the manufacturer's ICC Evaluation Report (ES) or other approved agencies report to see if the product meets the acceptance criteria.

Q. I'm a RRP remodeler. What documentation do I need to provide to the home owner at the completion of the project?
A. As of July 6, 2010 there are new requirements regarding documentation. Beginning July 6th, 2010, when the final invoice for the renovation is delivered, or within 30 days of the completion of the renovation, whichever is earlier, the renovation firm must provide information demonstrating compliance with the training and work practice requirements of the RRP rule to the owner of the building being renovated and, if different, to the occupants of the renovated housing or the operator of the child-occupied facility.
This is detailed in § 745.86(d) of Title 40 CFR Part 745, Record keeping and reporting requirements and can be found here.
Use this checklist.