Insulation Code Requirements in Michigan

Ground snow loads range from 25 psf in the southeast (Detroit metro) to 40 psf in the northern Lower Peninsula. Statewide base zone — see Upper Peninsula Snow Load overlay for UP counties with loads of 50-80 psf. Lake-effect snow from the Great Lakes significantly increases loads along the western and northern shorelines.

Wetlands regulated under Michigan Wetland Protection statute. EGLE permit required for fill, dredging, or construction in wetlands. Includes marshes, swamps, bogs, and areas with hydric soils.

Environmental areas along Great Lakes and connecting waters. EGLE permit may be required for development in designated environmental areas.

Ice barrier required statewide for ALL roofing projects in Michigan per MRC R905.1.2. Must extend minimum 24 inches inside exterior wall line. Required at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations.

Before development in areas with potential wetlands, a wetland delineation may be required to determine boundaries. EGLE uses the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and regional supplements. Professional delineation recommended before site design in areas with suspected wetlands.

Coastal wetlands along Great Lakes shorelines receive additional protection. These include drowned river mouths, barrier beach systems, and lakeplain wetlands. No general permits or exemptions apply to coastal wetlands. Michigan has approximately 103,000 acres of Great Lakes coastal wetlands.

Protected environmental areas regulated under Part 323. Includes high-risk erosion areas, critical dunes, and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Designated natural river corridors with development restrictions to preserve natural and scenic character.

Areas designated for public water supply wellhead protection. May have restrictions on certain land uses and construction activities.

Michigan Floodplain Regulatory Authority. Local floodplain permit required in addition to building permit for construction in FEMA-designated flood zones.

Designated critical dune areas along Lake Michigan shoreline. EGLE permit required before any construction, grading, or vegetation removal. Primarily affects Allegan, Berrien, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren, Benzie, Leelanau, and portions of other Lake Michigan counties.

Great Lakes shoreline areas with significant erosion rates. EGLE permit required for new construction within high-risk erosion zone. Setback based on 30-year or 60-year recession rate.

Michigan wetlands are regulated under Part 303 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). EGLE permit required for fill, dredging, draining, or construction activities affecting wetlands. Michigan has approximately 5.5 million acres of wetlands, about 15% of state land area. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and areas with hydric soils.

State with significant severe hail frequency per NOAA SPC storm reports. Insurance restoration contractors should document pre-existing hail damage and recommend impact-resistant materials.

State within or adjacent to the tornado corridor. NOAA SPC data confirms significant tornado frequency. Enhanced structural requirements apply per IRC R301.2.1.2.