Michigan

8 adopted codes · 45 cities tracked

Complete Guide2021 Michigan Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)Edition 2021Effective: 2025-04-09

State Building Authority

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC)

(517) 241-9302 [email protected]Official Website

Mandatory Codes (8)

IBC2021

International Building Code

ICC·Building

2021 Michigan Building Code (based on 2021 IBC) effective April 9, 2025

IEBC2021

International Existing Building Code

ICC·Existing Buildings

2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code (based on 2021 IEBC) effective April 9, 2025

IECC2021

International Energy Conservation Code

ICC·Energy

2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code effective April 22, 2025

IECC2015

International Energy Conservation Code

ICC·Energy

2015 Michigan Residential Energy Code effective Sept 20, 2017

IMC2021

International Mechanical Code

ICC·Mechanical

2021 Michigan Mechanical Code effective March 12, 2024

IPC2021

International Plumbing Code

ICC·Plumbing

2021 Michigan Plumbing Code effective March 12, 2024

IRC2015

International Residential Code

ICC·Residential

2015 Michigan Residential Code (based on 2015 IRC) effective Feb 8, 2016

NFPA 702017

National Electrical Code

NFPA·Electrical

NEC 2023 (NFPA 70) effective March 12, 2024

Important Notes

Michigan has a split residential/commercial code situation: the 2021 Michigan Building Code (commercial) is based on 2021 IBC, while the Michigan Residential Code is still based on 2015 IRC. The state spans Climate Zones 5 (southern LP), 6 (northern LP), and 7 (UP) — affecting energy code and insulation requirements significantly. Lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes creates extreme snow loads in western and northern Michigan. The Upper Peninsula can receive 200+ inches of snow annually. Michigan is in a low seismic activity area (SDC A-B). Southern Lower Peninsula has higher tornado frequency. The state has over 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline — coastal erosion and flooding are concerns.