Building Official’s Corner

A series of articles by Martin Van Berlo, Building Official, to help educate the public on Building Codes and their use in the built environment around us. Through the proper use and application of building codes, the citizens of our community can rest assured that construction around them will meet the minimum standards necessary to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare. Building codes address affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment. They also provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

1 Building Codes – Where do They Come From?
2 Building Codes in Michigan
3 Building Codes – What is in the Book?
4 Building Codes – Who is Involved in the Use of Codes?


Code Books

Emmet County currently enforces the following codes for construction:

Construction of 1 & 2 Family Residential Dwellings and related accessory structures are under:

  • 2015 Michigan Residential Code (MRC) (trades included are Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing)
  • 2015 Michigan Uniform Energy Code (MUEC)

Construction of all other buildings not included in the 2015 MRC are under:

  • 2015 Michigan Building Code (MBC)
  • 2023 Michigan Electrical Code (NEC with Michigan Amendments) (Effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC) (Effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code (MPC) (Effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings (MRCEB)

To order a copy go to: Code Books | Michigan.gov


Related Links

Emmet County, Michigan
200 Division Street, Petoskey MI 49770
(231) 348-1700 | Contact Us