Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Detroit, MI?

Roofing questions: Detroit, MI

Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Detroit, MI?

Yes, a permit is required to replace a roof in Detroit, MI. Detroit's own permit guide ("Do I Need a Building or Trade Permit?") lists as building permit work "Roof replacement/ removal of a substantial amount of shingles (with exemptions listed)", and lists among the exemptions from the building permit "Replacing a few shingles (any roof-work that could be done in a matter of minutes)". The guide gives no square-foot or dollar figure; the line it draws is between a replacement or substantial shingle removal and a few shingles. It also says: "If your property is located within a local historic district, a permit is required for all exterior work." The state part: Michigan's construction code act says "A building permit is not required for ordinary repairs of a building or structure" and does not define ordinary repairs, so the Detroit guide is the department's own statement of where that line falls in the city. The guide adds that anyone unsure can contact BSEED at (313) 224-2372 or [email protected].

Is ice & water shield required in Detroit, MI?

Yes. Required everywhere in Michigan by state law. Michigan fills in the climatic design table of the 2015 code once for the whole state (Rule 516, Table R301.2(1)), and its ice barrier underlayment column reads Yes. The state footnote calls for Yes "for areas where the average daily temperature in January is 25 degrees Fahrenheit" or less, or where ice damming has caused damage. The base code then requires an ice barrier "for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes," running "from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building" (R905.1.2). Detached accessory structures without conditioned floor area are exempt. On a tear-off, an existing ice barrier that is adhered to the deck may stay and be covered with an additional layer (R908.3, Exception). Detroit's permit guide states nothing further on ice barrier.

Is drip edge required in Detroit, MI?

Yes. Required on asphalt shingle roofs by state law. Michigan makes no amendment to the drip edge rule of the 2015 International Residential Code, Section R905.2.8.5, which applies as published: "A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and rake edges of shingle roofs." Segments overlap by at least 2 inches, the drip edge extends at least 1/4 inch below the roof sheathing and at least 2 inches back onto the deck, it is fastened at no more than 12 inches on center, and underlayment goes over it at the eaves and under it at the rakes. A reroof is held to the same rule, because "Materials and methods of application used for re-covering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9" (R908.1). Detroit's permit guide states nothing further on drip edge.

Can you roof over an existing roof in Detroit, MI?

Two layers at most, under state law. Michigan builds one- and two-family homes to the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, which adopts the 2015 International Residential Code and makes no amendment to its reroofing section, Section R908; the Michigan rule set was searched in full and R908 does not appear in it. The base section therefore applies as the International Code Council publishes it. Section R908.3.1.1 lists the conditions under which a new roof may not be laid over an existing one, and the third is "Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." One existing layer may be covered once; a roof that already carries two layers is torn off to the deck. The same section also bars covering a roof that is water soaked or too deteriorated to serve as a base, and covering "slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile." Locally, Detroit's residential code ordinance, Chapter 8, Article VII of the Detroit City Code (Secs. 8-7-1 to 8-7-11), was read in full: it names the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, adds only administrative provisions to Sections R103 to R113 and a new Section R115 on contractor registration, and touches nothing in R908. The city's permit guide states no layer rule of its own.

Do roofing contractors need a license or registration in Detroit, MI?

Yes.

What building code does Detroit, MI use?

2015 Michigan Residential Code. This is state law and it is the same in every Michigan city, village, township and county: the state construction code act says "This act and the code apply throughout the state," and the Michigan Residential Code rule adopts "the international residential code, 2015 edition" with the state amendments in R 408.30500 to R 408.30547g. A 2021 edition was filed with the secretary of state in 2025 but has not taken effect. On July 7, 2025 the Michigan Court of Claims entered a stipulated order in Home Builders Assoc et al. v LARA et al., and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) says that while that order remains in place "the 2015 versions of the IRC and residential provisions of the IECC standards currently adopted, in part, by each rule set will remain valid and in effect." LARA's Statewide Jurisdiction List names the City of Detroit as its own building code enforcer, and BSEED's building permit page points residential applicants to the "Current State of Michigan Building Code" rather than to a local edition.