Michigan building code
Michigan has adopted 2021 Michigan Building Code (MBC) based on 2021 IBC (incl. appendices F, G, H). The table below lists the governing edition for every discipline a plan check touches, followed by the Michigan cities and counties that amend it locally.
- Current edition
- Split cycle as of 2026-07-01: 2021-based commercial codes (2021 MBC/MMC/MPC/Rehab, eff. 2024-2025) + 2023 NEC, but the 2015 Michigan Residential Code and 2015-IECC residential energy provisions remain in force because a Court of Claims order stayed the 2021 MRC / 2021 IECC-residential rules.
- Prior edition
- 2015 Michigan Building Code (2015 IBC base)
- Code authority
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (fire prevention: LARA Bureau of Fire Services)
Edition changeover: Projects with a complete application on or before 2025-04-09 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Michigan Building Code (2015 IBC base).
Adopted code by discipline
| Discipline | Adopted code | Local amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Building | 2021 Michigan Building Code (MBC) based on 2021 IBC (incl. appendices F, G, H) | n/a |
| Residential | 2015 Michigan Residential Code (MRC) based on 2015 IRC | n/a |
| Existing buildings | 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings based on 2021 IEBC (incl. Appendix A and Resource A) | n/a |
| Fire | 2006 Michigan fire safety rules (Bureau of Fire Services) adopting NFPA 1 based on NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code, 2006 edition (Chs. 1-6, 10-14, 20-34, 40-41, 43-45, 50-52, 60, 63, 65, 70) | n/a |
| Electrical | 2023 Michigan Electrical Code (Part 8 rules + NEC) based on NFPA 70-2023 (second printing) | n/a |
| Mechanical | 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC) based on 2021 IMC | n/a |
| Plumbing | 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code (MPC) based on 2021 IPC (second printing, incl. appendices B, C, D, E) | n/a |
| Energy | split: residential 2015 / commercial 2021 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (Part 10 / 10a rules) based on Residential: 2015 IECC residential provisions; Commercial: ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or 2021 IECC (Michigan-amended) per 2025 Part 10a update | n/a |
| Fuel Gas | 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code (no separate state fuel-gas code found) based on 2021 IMC (Michigan-amended fuel-gas provisions) | n/a |
Overlays that can apply
Mapped hazard and district overlays stack on top of the adopted code. These are the overlays recorded for Michigan. They apply by parcel, not jurisdiction-wide, so confirm the parcel before assuming one is in play. Check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity viewer and FEMA's flood map service.
- FEMA mapped flood hazard area
Sources
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DeptBureauAdminCode?Department=Licensing+and+Regulatory+Affairs&Bureau=Bureau+of+Construction+Codes
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30401%20%20to%20408.30499a.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30500%20%20to%20408.30547g.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30701%20%20to%20408.30796.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30801%20%20to%20408.30880.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30901%20%20to%20408.30998.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.31001%20%20to%20408.31086.pdf
- https://ars.apps.lara.state.mi.us/AdminCode/DownloadAdminCodeFile?FileName=R%20408.30551%20%20to%20408.30577.pdf
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/michigan/Mich-Admin-Code-R-29-1652
- https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-125-1508B
- https://www.rhoadesmckee.com/michigan-pauses-implementation-of-residential-construction-codes-pending-results-of-lawsuits/
- https://www.towerpinkster.com/media_press/michigan-energy-code-update-what-you-need-to-know-before-april-22-2025/
Common questions
What building code does Michigan use?
Michigan uses 2021 Michigan Building Code (MBC) based on 2021 IBC (incl. appendices F, G, H). It is administered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (fire prevention: LARA Bureau of Fire Services). The prior edition was 2015 Michigan Building Code (2015 IBC base).
Do cities in Michigan amend the state code?
Local amendments are adopted by ordinance at the city or county level. Confirm with the building department that reviews your permit.
Which edition applies to a permit already in review in Michigan?
Projects with a complete application on or before 2025-04-09 may still be reviewed under the 2015 Michigan Building Code (2015 IBC base).
Check a plan set against Michigan code
Knowing the adopted edition is the easy half. Architechtura reads your drawings, resolves which of these provisions actually apply to the project, and returns the corrections a plan checker would write up, each one cited to the section it came from.
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Compiled from published state and municipal adoption ordinances. Local governments amend their codes on their own schedule, and a pending ordinance can change what applies to your permit. Confirm the governing edition with the building department before you submit. This page is reference information, not a code determination.