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Construction Codes

Builder standing on a first floor foundation of wood beams

Construction Codes

About the Bureau of Construction Codes

The dedicated staff of the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) work as a team to assure that the built environment and the systems within are sound, safe and sanitary; building users' health, safety and welfare are protected; and that, through a coordinated program of code compliance, investigation and training, there is consistent application of standards.

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Cutting Red Tape Report

LARA received over 16,000 survey responses from licensees across three of our highest volume bureaus: Professional Licensing, Construction Codes, and Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing. Our Cutting Red Tape Report outlines nearly 80 recommendations to reduce barriers to licensure, streamline processes, and better serve the people of Michigan.

Read the full report here

Protecting your investment

Watch this video for some things to consider when planning your next construction project, as well as some things to keep in mind throughout the process.

Advocacy

Did you know many construction related skilled trades are required to be licensed to do work in the State of Michigan? The State has established licensing standards for trades such as Residential Builders, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanical Contractors, and their companies. Licensure is one way to ensure the person performing the work understands the law and code. It is also a way to protect the consumer by holding the licensee accountable for their work. Watch this video to better understand the importance of licensure and how it can protect your construction investments.

Solar

Are you thinking about adding solar panels to your house or building? This video will give you some ideas of things to consider when looking at solar as an option. It will also show you some things to be cautious of. Always keep in mind a person must be properly licensed with the State of Michigan to perform any electrical work, including the installation of solar panels.

Questions

If you have questions about whether a license is required to do the work on your project, or whether the contractor you have hired is properly licensed in the State of Michigan, you can reach out to LARA BCC Licensing at 517-241-9316 or at LARA-BCC-Licensing@michigan.gov.

If you would like to file a complaint against a licensed contractor or if a contractor was not properly licensed, you may file a complaint with LARA BCC Enforcement at LARA-BCC-Compliance@michigan.gov or by going here.

 

 

Important Notice from the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC)

The BCC, part of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), wants to let you know about a new program. This program will give out citations (warnings or fines) to people who break the rules of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (PA 407).

This is not a new law. It’s just a new way to make sure people follow the law that already exists.

What is the problem?

Sometimes, people work in skilled trades (like plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work) without a license. That’s not allowed. It’s also wrong for someone with a license to help or support someone who is working without one.

Who can get a citation?

You might get a citation if you:

  • Say someone has work experience in a trade you’re not licensed in.
  • Say someone has work experience during a time when they didn’t have a license (and it’s been more than 60 days).
  • Help someone apply for a license when they weren’t legally working.

What happens if you keep breaking the rules?

If someone keeps breaking the rules, they could lose their license or have it taken away for a while.

When does this start?

The citation program will begin 30 days after this notice.

If you have questions, you can call (517) 241-9316 or email lara-bcc-licensing@michigan.gov.

 

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR EXAMS NOT REQUIRED:

Effective 10/1/2025, the State of Michigan has eliminated the examination for electrical contractors. This decision comes as a result from input submitted by applicants, licensees, and other stakeholders as part of the “Cutting Red Tape” survey that was sent out earlier this year. Applicants who submitted electrical contractor applications will be contacted directly on the next steps to obtain the license. The changes implemented from the “Cutting Red Tape” report are reducing barriers to licensure and helping position Michigan to fulfill critical workforce needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please reference the LARA Accela Frequently Asked Questions for information regarding online licensing and permitting.
  • When sending a payment with your correspondence, the address is:

    LARA/BCC/(Division Name)
    PO Box 30255
    Lansing, MI 48909

    When only correspondence (w/o money) is being sent the address is:

    LARA/BCC/(Division Name)
    PO Box 30254
    Lansing, MI 48909

  • LARA/BCC/(Division Name)
    2407 N. Grand River Avenue
    Lansing, MI 48906

  • The bureau's office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm
  • A person can find out if someone is licensed by visiting our website at www.michigan.gov/bcc and clicking Verify a License.
  • A person can find licensing examination information as well as the applications for those exams by visiting our website at www.michigan.gov/bcc and clicking Licensing, Examinations, Licensing & Continuing Education.
  • Yes. An apprentice electrician is required to register with the Bureau of Construction Codes within 30 days of employment.

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