Sterling Heights, MI Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Corridor Improvement Authority Development Areas only
- Standard referenced
- LEED Green Building Rating System
- Reviewing body
- Plan Review Committee (site plan review)
- Mandate status
- Encouraged, not required citywide
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance Section 22.04(C)
Summary
Sterling Heights doesn't mandate green construction citywide, but within Corridor Improvement Authority Development Areas the Plan Review Committee encourages builders to follow LEED Green Building Rating System principles during site plan review.
the plan review committee shall encourage construction that adheres to the principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
D. Redevelopment. Recognizing that changes to a previously approved land use designation within a Development Area will occur due to functional obsolescence or changing market conditions, the guidelines and standards set forth in the applicable Development Plan as amended from time to time to meet the objectives of the Corridor Improvement Authority shall constitute the minimum standards for redevelopment of sites within the Development Area.
E. Site Landscaping, Improvements and Lighting. In addition to the general site landscaping requirements of article 24, the applicable guidelines and standards set forth in the Development Plan relating to the planting of street trees, ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials and the installation of integrated paving improvements and street lighting shall apply to development or redevelopment of sites within the Development Area.
F. Administrative Modification of Guidelines and Standards. The plan
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Under Zoning Ordinance Section 22.04(C), Sterling Heights' Corridor Improvement Authority Plan Review Committee, made up of the City Development Director, City Planner, Economic Development Manager and Public Services Manager, reviews site plans within designated Development Areas and "shall encourage construction that adheres to the principles of" the LEED Green Building Rating System covering sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The encouragement applies only inside a City Council-designated Development Area under the Corridor Improvement Authority Act, Public Act 280 of 2005; it is not a citywide green building code, and the city has adopted no separate LEED or IECC mandate for other construction in Macomb County's Sterling Heights.
Violations & Fines
No fines apply: this is a design-review encouragement, not a mandate. Outside Development Areas, or for projects that skip LEED principles, the city imposes no green-building penalty or code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sterling Heights require LEED-certified buildings?
Where does this green building rule apply in Sterling Heights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan building safety overview
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