Do I need a permit to convert my garage in Michigan?

Yes. Converting a garage to living space is a change of occupancy under the Michigan Residential Code, requiring building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits statewide.

Does Michigan require an emergency egress window in a converted garage?

Yes if the conversion creates a sleeping room. Michigan Residential Code Section R310 requires a code-compliant emergency escape and rescue opening in every bedroom.

Can my city block a garage conversion entirely?

Local zoning may prohibit conversion if it eliminates required off-street parking or violates accessory-use rules, but construction standards themselves are dictated by state code.

Michigan Garage Conversion Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Permit Trigger: Change of occupancy
Code Reference: Michigan Residential Code
Heat Requirement: 68 degrees Fahrenheit
Egress Required: R310 escape openings

Source: Michigan Legislature

Full Breakdown

Under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, MCL 125.1501 et seq., converting a garage into habitable living space is a change of occupancy that requires full building permits and inspections statewide. The Michigan Residential Code mandates ceiling height (R305), light and ventilation (R303), emergency escape and rescue openings (R310), insulation per the Michigan Energy Code, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (R314, R315), and proper heating capable of maintaining 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Slab-on-grade floors typically require insulation, vapor barriers, and floor elevation modifications. Local zoning controls whether the converted space remains attached parking or qualifies as living area, but the construction standards are uniform across all Michigan jurisdictions.

Violations & Penalties

Unpermitted conversion may trigger stop-work orders, daily fines up to $500 under MCL 125.1523, and forced removal of nonconforming work.

Michigan Construction Code Universal Garage Conversion Permits

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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