HB 5056

Modernizing Michigan’s Building Code Update Process

House Bill 5056 reforms how Michigan updates its building and residential construction codes to ensure they are modern, transparent, and responsive to housing needs—without compromising safety.

While Michigan relies on national model building codes, the process for adopting updates has often been slow, opaque, and disconnected from housing affordability and construction realities. HB 5056 fixes that process by strengthening the state’s responsibility to regularly review and update Michigan’s construction codes in line with national standards, while allowing thoughtful Michigan-specific adjustments.

• Requires the state to use the International Residential Code (IRC) and related national codes as the baseline

• Clarifies the director’s obligation to remove outdated, unnecessary, or cost-inflating requirements

• Emphasizes performance-based standards rather than rigid prescriptions

Establishes a broad, balanced advisory committee

Before adopting a new residential code, the state must convene an advisory committee that includes:

• Architects and engineers

• Fire service professionals

• Builders (including multifamily and energy-efficiency specialists)

• Building officials and inspectors

• Labor representatives

• Disability advocates

• A representative for low-income homeowners and tenants

This ensures that code updates reflect real-world construction, safety, affordability, and accessibility concerns—not just a narrow set of interests.

Improves transparency and public participation

HB 5056 requires:

• Public notice and agendas for advisory meetings

• Open meetings with opportunities for public comment

• Public roll-call votes on proposed code changes

• Posting recommendations and decisions online

This makes the code update process visible, predictable, and accountable.

Keeps Michigan aligned with national code cycles

The bill reinforces regular updates tied to national code cycles, ensuring Michigan:

• Doesn’t lag behind modern construction practices

• Can adopt safer, more efficient building methods sooner

• Allows—but does not mandate—use of interim national code improvements when Michigan is on a longer update cycle

Why this matters for housing

Outdated or overly rigid building codes can:

• Increase construction costs unnecessarily

• Block innovative construction methods

• Make smaller, more affordable housing harder to build

HB 5056 ensures Michigan’s building code evolves alongside modern housing needs, supporting:

• Cost-effective construction

• Energy efficiency

• New building techniques

• Safer, more affordable homes

Importantly, it does this without lowering safety standards.

What the bill does not do

• It does not change zoning laws

• It does not mandate specific housing types

• It does not weaken health or fire safety protections

Instead, it modernizes how Michigan keeps its construction codes up to date.

• Updates

  Referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform.

• Authors

  Parker Fairbairn (District 107)

• Sponsors

  Ken Borton (District 105)

  Timothy Beson (District 96)

  Gregory Alexander (District 98)

  Jerry Neyer (District 92)

  Bradley Slagh (District 85)

  Joseph Aragona (District 60)

  Curtis Vanderwall (District 102)

• Resources

  Coming soon.