Ann Arbor's Building Safety: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles building safety a little differently. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Building Permits

Ann Arbor enforces Michigan's state Building Code as its own Construction Code, so any work covered by that code, new construction, additions, alterations, needs a permit from the Building Official.

Key details: Adopts: Michigan Building Code, incl. Appendix G. Administered by: Building Official / PDS. Max fine: $1,000/day. Authority: Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act PA 230 of 1972.

Building Code violations are civil infractions of up to $1,000/day, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second within 2 years, and $1,000 for later offenses; stop-work order violations start at $500.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ann Arbor requires a working carbon monoxide detector on every story of single- and two-family rentals with a fuel-fired appliance or attached garage, plus one outside each sleeping area, regardless of age.

Key details: Minimum detectors: 1 per story + near bedrooms. Triggers rule: fuel-fired appliance or attached garage. Standard: UL listed. Disabling penalty: misdemeanor, up to 90 days.

Missing or inoperable required detectors: civil infraction, fine up to $500. Willfully disabling a smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detector: misdemeanor, up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

Lead Paint

Ann Arbor's Housing Code flatly bans lead paint in dwellings and cites peeling interior paint in food-prep or living areas, or 15%-plus peeling exterior paint, as a code violation.

Key details: Rule: Lead paint prohibited in dwellings. Citation: Ann Arbor City Code § 8:509(10)(a). Exterior trigger: 15%+ peeling triggers a citation. Enforced by: Building Official under Chapter 105. Penalty: $200-$1,000 civil fine per violation.

Cited as a general-repair violation under Section 8:519; civil infractions run $200-$1,000 per day the hazard goes uncorrected, and the certificate of compliance can be suspended until repainted.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ann Arbor actively enforces its lead paint requirements.

Plumbing Permits

Ann Arbor requires a registered master plumber's license and a Planning and Development Services permit before any plumbing work, with an inspected homeowner exception.

Key details: Governing code: Ann Arbor City Code § 8:104. License required: Registered master plumber. Permit issued by: Planning & Development Services. Registration renewal: Annually by April 1. Homeowner exception: Own residence, inspector-approved.

Plumbing work performed without a registered license and city permit violates Chapter 100 and is a municipal civil infraction, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense and rising to $1,000 for repeat violations within two years.

Electrical Permits

Ann Arbor requires a Michigan electrical license, registration with the Building Department, and a city permit before anyone performs electrical work, with a narrow homeowner exception.

Key details: Governing code: Ann Arbor City Code § 8:102. License required: Michigan state electrical license. Permit issued by: Building Department. First-offense fine: $250 minimum. Homeowner exception: Own residence, inspector-approved.

Unlicensed or unpermitted electrical work is a municipal civil infraction under Chapter 100: fines start at $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for later offenses within two years.

The Bottom Line

Ann Arbor's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ann Arbor is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ann Arbor can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.