DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
CONSTRUCTION CODE  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by section 4 of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act, 1972  
PA 230, MCL 125.1504, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 2003-1, 2008-4, and  
2011-4, MCL 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)  
PART 5. RESIDENTIAL CODE  
R 408.30500 Applicable code.  
Rule 500. The provisions of the international residential code, 2015 edition, including  
appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, N, O, P, R, and S except for Sections R 104.2, R  
104.3, R 104.5, R 104.7, R 104.8, R 104.8.1, R 105.3, R 105.3.1, R 105.3.2, R 105.6, R  
105.9, R 108.3, R 108.4, R 108.5, R 108.6, R 109.1, R 112.2, R 112.3, R 112.4, R 113.1  
to R 113.3, R 113.4, R 114.1 and R 114.2, R 313.1.1 to R 313.2.1, R 602.11, R 602.12,  
N1102.3.2, tables R 507.2.3, N1101.12.3(3) and figure R 507.2.1(2), R 507.2.3(1), R  
507.2.3(2), and R 507.2.4, sections M1411.8, G2411.1.1.1 to G2411.1.1.5, G2439.7.2,  
P2503.9, P2709.2.3, P2904.1.1 to P2904.8.2, P2905.1, P2905.2, figure P2904.2.4.2, table  
P2904.2.2, tables P2904.6.2(1) to P2904.6.2(9), P3009.1 to P3009.11.1, E3902.15,  
E3902.16, E3902.17, and AJ102.4, the IBC-2015, IECC-2015, IMC-2015, IPC-2015,  
NFPA 70-2014 listed in chapter 44 govern the construction, alteration, relocation,  
demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures, and, with the exceptions  
noted, the international residential code is adopted by reference in these rules. All  
references to the International Building Code, International Residential Code,  
International Energy Conservation Code, National Electrical Code, International Existing  
Building Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Plumbing Code mean  
the Michigan Building Code, Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Energy Code,  
Michigan Electrical Code, Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings,  
Michigan Mechanical Code, and Michigan Plumbing Code, respectively. The code is  
available for inspection and purchase at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory  
Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, 611 W. Ottawa St., 1st Floor Ottawa Building,  
Lansing, Michigan 48933. The code may be purchased from the International Code  
Council, through the bureau’s website at www.michigan.gov/bcc, at a cost as of the time  
of adoption of these rules of $118.00.  
History: 2015 AACS; 2021 AACS; 2022 MR 2, Eff. Feb. 8, 2022.  
R 408.30501 Title.  
Rule 501. Section R101.1 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
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R101.1. Title. These provisions shall be known and cited as the Michigan residential  
code for 1-and 2-family dwellings and will be referred to as “the code.”  
History: 2001 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30501a Scope.  
Rule 501a. Section R101.2 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R101.2. Scope. The provisions of the Michigan residential code for 1- and 2-family  
dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement,  
replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of  
detached 1- and 2-family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories above grade  
plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures.  
Exceptions:  
1. Live/work units complying with the requirements of Section 419 of the Michigan  
building code may be built as 1- and 2-family dwellings or townhouses. Fire suppression  
required by Section 419.5 of the Michigan building code when constructed under the  
Michigan residential code for 1- and 2-family dwellings shall conform to Section P2904.  
2. Owner-occupied bed and breakfast and board and room facilities may be  
constructed in accordance with sections 4b and 13c of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single  
state construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1504b and MCL 125.1513c.  
History: 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30501b Intent.  
Rule 501b. Sections 101.3 and 101.4 of the code are amended to read as follows:  
R101.3. Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to  
safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare through affordability, structural  
strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy  
conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the  
built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during  
emergency operations. The Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act, 1972  
PA 230, MCL 125.1501 to MCL 125.1531 takes precedence over all provisions of this  
code.  
R101.4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this  
code is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not  
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.  
History: 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct. 4, 2021.  
R 408.30501c Existing structures.  
Rule 501c. Section 102.7 is amended to read as follows:  
R102.7. Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the  
date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is  
specifically covered in this code, the international property maintenance code, or the  
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international fire code, or as allowed under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state  
construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1501 to MCL 125.1531.  
History: 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct. 4, 2021.  
R 408.30502 Rescinded.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2011 AACS.  
R 408.30503 Approved materials and equipment.  
Rule 503. Sections R104.9 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R104.9. Approved materials and equipment. Materials, equipment, and devices  
shall be constructed or installed in accordance with approvals granted under the act or by  
the building official. The building official shall review reports prepared by recognized  
evaluation services and determine if the intent of the code is met.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.30504 Duties and powers of building official.  
Rule 504. Sections R104.6 of the code are amended to read as follows:  
R104.6. Right of entry. If a building or premises is occupied, the code official shall  
present his or her credentials to the occupant and request entry. If a building or premises  
is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate either the  
owner, the owner’s authorized agent or other person having care or control of the  
building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official has recourse  
to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.  
When a code official has first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy  
provided by law to secure entry, the owner, owner’s authorized agent or occupant or  
person having charge, care or control of the building or premises shall not fail or neglect,  
after a proper request is made as provided in this rule, to permit the code official prompt  
entry into the building or premises to inspect or examine the building or premises  
pursuant to this code.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct. 4, 2021.  
R 408.30505 Work exempt from permit.  
Rule 505. Section R105.2 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R105.2. Work exempt from permit. Exemption from the permit requirements of the  
code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in  
violation of the provisions of the code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.  
Permits are not required for any of the following:  
(a) Building permits shall not be required for any of the following:  
(i) One-story detached accessory structures, if the floor area does not exceed 200  
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square feet (18.58 m2).  
(ii) A fence that is not more than 7 feet (2 134 mm) high.  
(iii) A retaining wall that is not more than 4 feet (1 219 mm) in height measured  
from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.  
(iv) A water tank supported directly upon grade if the capacity is not more than  
5,000 gallons (18 927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater  
than 2  
to 1.  
(v) A sidewalk and driveway not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent  
grade and not over any basement or story below and not part of an accessible route.  
(vi) Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish  
work.  
(vii) A prefabricated swimming pool that is less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, and  
not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L), and is installed entirely above ground.  
(viii) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached 1- or 2-family  
dwellings.  
(ix) Window awnings in group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior  
wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1 372 mm) from the exterior wall and  
do not require additional support, as applicable in Section 101.2 and group U  
occupancies.  
(x) Decks, porches, patios, landings, or similar structures not exceeding 200 square  
feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any  
point as prescribed by Section R312.1.1, are not attached to a dwelling or its accessory  
structures, are not within 36 inches (914 mm) of a dwelling or its accessory structures,  
and do not serve any ingress or egress door of the dwelling or its accessory structures.  
(b) Electrical permits shall not be required, as in accordance with the Michigan  
electrical code, R 408.30801 to R 408.30880, for any of the following:  
(i) Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps  
or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently  
installed receptacles.  
(ii) Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of the code do not  
apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to  
equipment and wiring for power supply and to the installation of towers and antennas.  
(iii) Temporary testing systems: A permit is not required for the installation of any  
temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or  
apparatus.  
(c) Mechanical permits shall not be required for any of the following:  
(i) A portable heating or gas appliance that has inputs of less than 30,000 BTU’s per  
hour.  
(ii) Portable ventilation appliances and equipment.  
(iii) A portable cooling unit.  
(iv) Steam, hot water, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling  
equipment or appliances regulated by this code.  
(v) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or  
an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.  
(vi) A portable evaporative cooler.  
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(vii) Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of  
refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75kW) or less.  
(viii) Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system  
and are not interconnected to a power grid.  
(ix) An oil burner that does not require connection to a flue, such as an oil stove and  
a heater equipped with a wick.  
(x) A portable gas burner that has inputs of less than 30,000 BTU’s per hour.  
(xi) When changing or relocating a gas meter or regulator, a permit is not required  
when installing gas piping which shall be limited to 10 feet (3 005 mm) in length and not  
more than 6 fittings.  
(xii) When installing geothermal vertical closed loops under the supervision of a  
mechanical contractor licensed in HVAC as long as the company meets both the  
following:  
(A) Has obtained a certificate of registration as a well drilling contractor pursuant to  
part 127 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.12701 to 333.12771.  
(B) Has installed the geothermal vertical closed loops in accordance with the  
department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy's best practices regarding  
geothermal heat pump closed loops. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code  
shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in violation of the  
provisions of this code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.  
(d) Plumbing permits shall not be required for either of the following:  
(i) The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe. If any concealed  
trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes  
necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, then the work is considered  
as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in the code.  
(ii) The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures,  
and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, if the repairs do not involve or require  
the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS.; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct.  
4, 2021.  
R 408.30506 Submittal documents.  
Rule 506. Sections R 106.1.4 and R802.10.1 of the code are amended and  
Section R106.1.4 and figure 802.10.1 are added to the code to read as follows:  
R106.1.4. Truss design data. As an alternative to the submission of truss design  
drawings, figure R802.10.1, the truss design data sheet, may be provided to the building  
official as part of the construction documents at the time of application. Truss design  
drawings shall be submitted to the building official prior to truss installation as required  
by Section R802.10.1.  
R802.10.1 Truss design drawings. Truss design drawings,  
prepared in conformance with Section R802.10.1, shall be provided to the building  
official and approved prior to installation. The truss design data sheet, figure R802.10.1,  
may be provided to the building official at the time of permit application, as an  
alternative to design drawings as permitted in Section R106.1.4. Truss design drawings  
shall include, at a minimum, the information specified below. Truss design drawings  
shall be provided with the shipment of trusses delivered to the jobsite.  
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(1) Slope or depth, span, and spacing.  
(2) Location of all joints.  
(3) Required bearing widths.  
(4) Design loads as applicable.  
(a) Top chord live load (including snow loads).  
(b) Top chord dead load.  
(c) Bottom chord live load.  
(d) Bottom chord dead load.  
(e) Concentrated loads and their points of application.  
(f) Controlling wind and earthquake loads.  
(5) Adjustments to lumber and joint connector design values for conditions of use.  
(6) Each reaction force and direction.  
(7) Joint connector type and description (e.g., size, thickness, or gauge) and the  
dimensioned location of each joint connector except where symmetrically located relative  
to the joint interface.  
(8) Lumber size, species, and grade for each member.  
(9) Connection requirements for the following:  
(a) Truss to truss girder.  
(b) Truss ply to ply.  
(c) Field splices.  
(10) Calculated deflection ratio and/or maximum description for live and total load.  
(11) Maximum axial compression forces in the truss members to enable the building  
designer to design the size, connections, and anchorage of the permanent continuous  
lateral bracing. Forces shall be shown on the truss design drawing or on supplemental  
documents.  
(12) Required permanent truss member bracing location.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS.; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct.  
4, 2021.  
R 408.30507 Duct termination.  
Rule 507. Section M1502.3 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
M1502.3. Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building. Exhaust duct  
terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation  
instructions. If the manufacturer’s instructions do not specify a termination location, the  
exhaust duct shall terminate no less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings  
into buildings or ventilated section in a soffit. Exhaust duct terminations shall be  
equipped with a backdraft damper. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30508 Payment of fees.  
Rule 508. Section R108.1 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R108.1. Fees. The fees prescribed in the act shall be paid to the enforcing agency  
of the jurisdiction before a permit to begin work for new construction, alteration,  
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removal, demolition, or other building operation may be issued. In addition, an  
amendment to a permit necessitating an additional fee shall not be approved until the  
additional fee is paid.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS.; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.30509 Frame and masonry inspection.  
Rule 509. Section R109.1.4 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R109.1.4. Frame and masonry inspection. Inspection of framing construction shall  
be made after the roof, all framing, firestopping, draftstopping, and bracing are in place  
and after the plumbing, mechanical, and electrical rough inspections are approved.  
Masonry inspections shall be made after the completed installation of base course  
flashing as specified in section R703.7.5 of the code and water-resistive barrier as  
specified in section R703.2 of the code and after the masonry construction is completed.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
R 408.30509a Approval required.  
Rule 509a. Section R109.4 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R109.4. Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in  
each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official.  
The building official upon notification shall make the requested inspections and shall  
either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall  
notify the permit holder or agent of the permit holder wherein portion of the construction  
fails to comply with this code. The notification shall include specific reference to the  
code chapter and section numbers in violation in writing. Any portions that do not  
comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until  
authorized by the building official.  
History: 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30510 Use and occupancy.  
Rule 510. Sections R110.1, R110.2, and R110.3 of the code are amended to read as  
follows:  
R110.1. Use and occupancy. A building or structure shall not be used or occupied,  
and a change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion  
thereof shall not be made, until a certificate of occupancy has been issued in accordance  
with the act.  
R110.2. Change in use. A change in the character or use of an existing structure  
shall not be made, except as specified in the Michigan building code, R 408.30401 to  
R 408.30499.  
R110.3 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or  
structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are  
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enforced by the department of building safety, the building official shall issue a  
certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following:  
(a) The building permit number.  
(b) The address of the structure.  
(c) A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.  
(d) A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for  
compliance with the requirements of this code.  
(e) The name of the building official.  
(f) The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.  
(g) Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS.; 2008 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30510a Fire classification.  
Rule 510a. Section R902.1 is amended and Sections R902.3 and R902.4 of the code  
are added to read as follows:  
R902.1. Roof covering materials. Roofs shall be covered with materials as set forth  
in Sections R904 and R905. Class A, B, or C roofing shall be installed in jurisdictions  
designated by law as requiring their use or where the edge of the roof is less than 3 feet  
(914 mm) from a lot line. Classes A, B, and C roofing required by this section to be  
listed shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108.  
Exceptions:  
1. Class A roof assemblies include those with coverings of brick, masonry, and  
exposed concrete roof deck.  
2. Class A roof assemblies also include ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, metal  
sheets and shingles, clay or concrete roof tile, or slate installed on noncombustible decks.  
3. Class A roof assemblies include minimum 16 ounces per square foot copper  
sheets installed over combustible decks.  
4. Class A roof assemblies include slate installed over underlayment over  
combustible decks.  
History: 2015 AACS.  
R 408.30511 Violation penalties.  
Rule 511. Section R113.4 of the code is amended to read as follows:  
R113.4. Violation penalties. It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to  
violate a provision of the code or fail to conform with any of the requirements thereof, or  
erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish, or occupy any building,  
structure, or equipment regulated by the code, or cause work to be performed or done in  
conflict with or in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of  
the enforcing agency, or a permit or certificate issued under the code. A violator shall be  
assessed a fine in accordance with the act.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS; 2008 AACS.  
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R 408.30512 Rescinded.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct. 4, 2021.  
R 408.30513 Definitions.  
Rule 513. The definitions of attic and sunroom addition in Section R202 of the code  
are amended to read as follows:  
R202. Definitions. “Attic, uninhabitable with limited storage” means uninhabitable  
attics with limited storage where the minimum clear height between joists and rafters is  
42 inches (1 063 mm) or greater or where there are not 2 or more adjacent trusses with  
web configurations capable of accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches (1 063  
mm) high by 24 inches (610 mm) in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses.  
“Attic, uninhabitable without storage” means uninhabitable attics without storage where  
the maximum clear height between joists and rafters is less than 42 inches (1 063 mm), or  
where there are not 2 or more adjacent trusses with web configurations capable of  
accommodating an assumed rectangle 42 inches (1 063 mm) high by 24 inches (610 mm)  
in width, or greater, within the plane of the trusses. Building Inspector” means the  
individual who is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the construction  
of buildings, structures, or appurtenances under the state construction code specified in R  
408.30499 and who is registered in compliance with 2016 PA 407, MCL 339.5101 to  
339.6133. “Building Official” means the person who is appointed and employed by a  
governmental subdivision, who is charged with the administration and enforcement of the  
state codes specified in R 408.30499, and who is registered in compliance with 2016 PA  
407, MCL 339.5101 to 339.6133. “Registered design professional” means an individual  
who is licensed under the occupational code, 1980 PA 299, MCL 339.101 to 339.2919.  
“ Registered inspector” means an individual who is licensed under the occupational  
code, 1980 PA 299, MCL 339.101 to 339.2919."Sunroom addition" means a new  
structure with glazing in excess of 40% of the gross area of the structure's exterior walls  
and roof added to an existing dwelling.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS.; 2008 AACS; 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct.  
4, 2021.  
R 408.30514 Rescinded.  
History: 2001 AACS; 2004 AACS; 2008 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2021 MR 11, Eff. Oct. 4, 2021.  
R 408.30515 Ground snow loads.  
Rule 515. Figure R301.2(5) and Table R301.2(1) of the code are amended and  
Table R301.2(5) is added to the code to read as follows:  
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