Michigan roofing: permits, codes and approvals

Michigan's 2015 Residential Code (the 2021 update is on hold by court order), city re-roof permits, the LARA maintenance and alteration license with a roofing trade, the 3-day cancel right, and Construction Lien Act notices and statutory waivers.

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1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

Michigan has no state roofing product approval or listing system. Local building officials enforce the Michigan Residential Code's labeling and installation rules, along with manufacturer instructions and recognized evaluation reports.

Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

There is no separate statewide re-roof permit rule. Local building departments enforce the state construction code and set their own permit practice for re-roofs.

Grand RapidsRe-roofing a single-family home or duplex needs a permit; use the city's 'Re-roof or Re-side - Residential Building Application'.Ann ArborThe city says a building permit is required for home improvements done by a homeowner or a contractor. It doesn't list re-roofs separately, so confirm at 734-794-6000. Permits are applied for through the STREAM portal.DetroitA permit (Building Permit Application Form 2) is required before recovering or replacing a roof; tear-off and final inspections are required, and existing coverings must be removed if there are already two or more layers.

3 · Code rules

Code rules

The 2015 Michigan Residential Code (effective February 8, 2016) is still the statewide code. The 2021 code was due August 29, 2025, but a July 7, 2025 Court of Claims order keeps the 2015 code in effect while the case continues. Official adoption page ↗

2021 code on holdIn Home Builders Assoc. v. LARA, the court barred LARA from implementing the 2021 residential and energy rules. The 2015 IRC-based rules remain valid until the order ends.

4 · Wind, fire and storm programs

Wind, fire and storm programs

No Michigan FORTIFIED grant program, required roof insurance discount, or roofing-specific storm-chaser statute was found. The general 3-day cancel rule applies to door-to-door roof sales.

Door-to-door sales: 3-day cancel (MCL 445.112)A buyer can cancel a home solicitation sale until midnight of the third business day after signing. In an emergency, the buyer can waive this in their own handwriting if work has already substantially begun.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Yes. Roofing for others requires a LARA Residential Builder license or a Residential Maintenance & Alteration (M&A) contractor license with the roofing trade, issued under Article 24 of the Occupational Code.

Maintenance & Alteration license: roofing trade (MCL 339.2404)Roofing is one of the trades an M&A license can name, and siding and gutters is a separate trade. The license lists each trade the holder qualified for by exam.Who must be licensed (MCL 339.2401)An M&A contractor is anyone who contracts with another to repair, alter, add to or improve residential property.Exemptions, including under $600 (MCL 339.2403)Jobs with a total price under $600 are exempt, but not if splitting a job to dodge the law or if the work is part of a larger project. Owner-occupants and people working only under a licensed contractor are also exempt.60-hour prelicensure and continuing education (MCL 339.2404b)New applicants complete 60 hours of approved courses, including the Michigan residential code. Licensees first licensed in 2009 or later need 21 hours each 3-year cycle, with at least 3 hours a year in the first 6 years.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

Under Michigan's Construction Lien Act, a residential lien needs a written contract that shows your license number. Claims are recorded within 90 days and enforced within 1 year, and waivers use statutory forms.

Written contract with license number (MCL 570.1114)A contractor has no lien on a residential structure unless the work was under a written contract, with any changes also in writing. The contract must state that the contractor is licensed and give the license number.Notice of furnishing: 20 days (MCL 570.1109)Subcontractors and suppliers send a notice of furnishing to the designee and the general contractor within 20 days after first furnishing. A contractor who contracts directly with the owner doesn't need one.Record lien within 90 days (MCL 570.1111)Record the claim of lien with the county register of deeds within 90 days after your last labor or material. Then serve a copy on the designee or owner within 15 days after recording.Enforce within 1 year (MCL 570.1117)A suit to enforce the lien must be filed within 1 year after the claim of lien was recorded.Statutory lien waivers (MCL 570.1115)Use the four statutory forms: partial or full, conditional or unconditional. A fully paid claimant must give a full unconditional waiver. Contract terms that require waiving lien rights in advance are invalid.

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Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.