Flint, MI Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Michigan adopts the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act (PA 230 of 1972). In response to the IRC's 2009 inclusion of automatic fire sprinklers as a mandatory requirement for new one- and two-family dwellings, the Michigan Legislature passed Public Act 553 of 2004 (codified at MCL 125.1504c) that prohibits state and local enforcement of any building-code provision that requires the installation of automatic sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings. As a result, Flint cannot require residential sprinklers in single-family or duplex new construction unless the owner voluntarily elects them. Multifamily buildings of three or more dwelling units (R-2 occupancy) and most other commercial occupancies still trigger automatic sprinkler systems based on IBC Section 903 and IFC Section 903 thresholds — for example, every R-2 building over a certain story or floor-area threshold, or any building with occupant loads or hazards meeting Section 903.2 categories. Sprinkler design follows NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D as appropriate. The Flint Fire Marshal reviews sprinkler plans and performs acceptance and annual inspections. Existing-building retrofits are required when triggered by change of use or substantial renovation.