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Code Status: Michigan

This page contains information about current energy codes in the state of Michigan. Information for all 50 States is also available. Michigan Code News.

Current State Codes

  • Residential Code: The 2003 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) is based on the 2003 IRC, with amendments referencing the 2004 IECC supplement. It applies to detached 1-and 2-family dwellings and multiple-single family dwellings and is mandatory statewide. The original effective date of February 28, 2005 was delayed by court challenges until October 24, 2008.
  • Commercial Code: Rule 1087, Part 10a of the 2003 MUEC adopts ASHRAE 90.1-1999 by reference. It applies to all nonresidential building and is mandatory statewide. It became effective in April 2003. Builders may use COMcheck to show compliance.
  • Code Change Cycle: Three-year code review schedule
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Code Adoption & Change Process

Process Type: Regulatory

Code Change Process: The Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC) is promulgated by the Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety, and is evaluated for revisions or modifications every three years.

State Code History: Prior to June 22, 1977, the state of Michigan had no building energy efficiency requirements. As of that date, the state adopted ASHRAE/IES Standard 90-1975 statewide. On July 27, 1985, the state adopted ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90A-1980 statewide.

SB 719, signed in early January 1996, repealed the 1995 adoption of the 1993 MEC. The legislation directed the state construction code commission to, by April 1, 1997, provide cost-effective standards and establish a program to provide home buyers with energy rating information. A 10-member ad hoc committee was established to assist with these efforts.

The previous Michigan Uniform Energy Code Part 10 Rules were adopted March 31, 1999.

In 2002, the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) established a committee to review and update Michigan's Uniform Energy Code. After review and promulgation of the code, the Ingham County Circuit Court issued an injunction to halt the February 28, 2005, effective date of the rules in response to a lawsuit by the Michigan Association of Home Builders (MAHB). The new code has since been pending litigation for the last three and a half years.

On October 24, 2008, the judge presiding over the litigation dismissed the MAHB complaint and dissolved the lawsuit, making the rules effective immediately. Therefore, every unit of government enforcing the single state construction code must apply the 2003 Michigan Uniform Energy Code to newly issued permits. The 2003 MUEC is based on the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) with references to the 2004 IECC supplement.

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Energy Consumption Estimates

The consumption estimates below are derived from the total end use of residential and commercial energy consumption in the United States in 2006, and are not limited to energy consumption based on building code-related factors. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

  • Residential Sector: 754.7 Trillion BTU
  • Commercial Sector: 602.6 Trillion BTU
  • Total Energy Consumption: 1,357.3 Trillion BTU
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Construction Activity

Residential:

  • Population (2000 US Census)1: 9,938,444
  • Total Housing Units2: 4,331,986
  • 2004 New Housing Units Authorized by Permit (Privately Owned)3:
    • total units: 53,933
    • 1 unit: 45,426
    • 2 units: 778
    • 3 and 4 units: 1,197
    • 5+ units: 6,532
    • structures of 5+ units: 562

References:

  1. http://www.census.gov/population/cen2000/phc-t2/tab01.xls
  2. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/housing/sthuhh1.txt
  3. http://www.census.gov/const/C40/Table2/20k_t2yu200412.txt
Green Building Initiatives
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Code Funding Opportunities

There are two funding opportunities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA): Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants and State Energy Program. Please reference the U.S. Department of Energy for Michigan's allocated amount and updated information. 

 

Web Links

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State Energy Code Contacts

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