Michigan Homes Still Follow the 2015 Residential Code
Michigan's 2021 residential code was paused by a court order in July 2025. Which code applies to your home, and how commercial projects differ.
Midwest & Mountain
Michigan Permit & Stamping Requirements
Requirements vary by region, code cycle, seismic zone, and wind or snow load. Here is what typically drives design for Michigan projects.
What Drives Design in Michigan
Michigan projects are governed primarily by ground snow load and frost depth.
- ✓ Ground snow load per ASCE 7 and local amendments
- ✓ Frost depth and foundation design
- ✓ Roof framing capacity for drift loading
Exact code edition and local amendments vary by city and county. We confirm the specific requirements for your address before drafting.
Current Building Code
Code in effect in Michigan
Michigan splits commercial and residential. Commercial work follows the 2021 Michigan Building Code, based on the 2021 International Building Code, effective April 9, 2025 with no grace period, and the 2021 commercial energy code took effect April 22, 2025. Homes still follow the 2015 Michigan Residential Code: the 2021 residential update was due in August 2025 but has been paused by a court order while a lawsuit by builders is resolved.
What to plan for
- ✓ Residential and commercial projects are on different code editions, and the residential update is on hold, so check which applies before drawings start.
- ✓ For commercial work there was no grace period: plans submitted on or after April 9, 2025 are reviewed under the 2021 code.
- ✓ If the court order on the residential code is lifted, the 2021 edition could take effect, so confirm the current status before submitting.
Code information last verified October 2026. Codes change, so we confirm the edition in force for your address before drafting.
Frequently asked questions about Michigan permits
Which Michigan residential code applies right now?
The 2015 Michigan Residential Code. The 2021 update was scheduled for August 2025, but implementation was paused by a court order in July 2025 while a builders' lawsuit is decided. We confirm the current status before drafting.
Is there a grace period for the 2021 Michigan Building Code?
No. The state did not grant one for commercial work. Complete plans submitted before April 9, 2025 were reviewed under the 2015 code, and anything submitted on or after that date falls under the 2021 code.
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