The adoption process for the 2006 construction code has moved forward one step. The Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) has finalized the proposed (administrative) rules to upgrade the 2003 codes to the 2006 codes. These rules were scheduled to be forwarded to the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (SOAHR) the week ending December 15th, 2007 by the Bureau. These proposed rules include the adoption of Appendix P Sprinklers in the Michigan Residential Code (MRC). This Appendix would require that a sprinkler complying with the National Fire Protection Association standard NFPA 13D be installed in all one and two family dwellings. This standard can be viewed on line at http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/list_of_codes_and_standards.asp?cookie%
5Ftest=1%3Cbr%20/%3E/&cookie%5Ftest= 1.
Other proposed changes include the requirement that all "Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency and rescue opening." And the requirement that when the sill of an operable window is more than 72 inches above the finished grade that the sill be not less than 24 inches above the finished floor or be restricted to opening not more than 4 inches or be provided with an approved guard.
The public Hearing for the Michigan Building Code (MBC), MRC and the Michigan Rehabilitation Code for Existing Buildings (MRCEB) continues to be a moving target and is not now expected before early February 2007. The effective date for these codes appears to be September 1, 2007 based on the announced effective date for related codes.
All HBA members are encouraged to participate in this hearing. .
The Public Hearings for the Michigan Plumbing Code (MPC), Michigan Electrical Code (MEC) and The Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC) will be held Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 at 9:30 a.m., 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI 48864, on the 1st floor in conference room 3. Oral or written comments may be presented in person at the hearing on January 17, 2007, or submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m., January 17, 2007. Note that the deadline for written comments is the same as the hearing date. These rules affect non-residential buildings and multifamily residential construction, not dwellings constructed using the MRC.
The hearing notice and the proposed rule changes can be viewed on the Bureau's web page at
http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10575—,00.html

The proposed effective date of each of the rule sets for the MPC, MEC and MMC is September 1, 2007.