Does anybody have Michigans Building codes? Inspector from...

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• 2015 International Building Code
• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2015 International Existing Buildings Code
• 2015 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2015 International Mechanical Code
• 2015 International Plumbing Code
• 2015 International Residential Code

The Mechanical code includes chimneys and vents. It is Chapter 8 and all numbers start with 800. Not sure about the numbers of the violations mentioned;
CHAPTER 8 CHIMNEYS AND VENTS | 2015 International Mechanical Code | ICC publicACCESS

All the International codes require as far as UL listing is that the appliance is Listed. Unfortunately that is enough to shut down any appliance without a UL tag. It isn't right since NFPA 211 that all the codes were taken from has a section for unlisted stoves and any state that has adopted the International Codes now requires only Listed stoves even though it is proven how to install and reduce unlisted stoves safely.

 

Refer the inspector to the state AG’s office for illegally rejecting multiple installs and trying to force you to do business with his “friend.”

 

In the home renting business, more than once I have printed the codes used and had a copy there while the inspector did his thing. My experience is they use a "Inspection check list" which is an overview of the codes and when I bring something to their attention "they will check into it at the office where the code book is". Is it really difficult to have the code you're enforcing with you, or is their boss worried about interpretation in the field and keeps it away from the inspector? To make matters worse, the check list quotes code numbers and doesn't quote the code word for word giving it entirely different meanings. This Borough has been using this same check list for 5 years since instituting the rental licensing program and the first time they inspected one of my homes, I highlighted the mistakes on their check list and gave it to the head codes officer with my name and number on it. No one ever got back to me.

One silly example that refers to heating;
Check List states, (IMPC 602.2) "Provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68*f. in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Cooking appliances cannot be used to provide required heating. Owner is required to supply heat to occupants."

This code is the Int. Property Maintenance Code which is a very simple code for existing houses. 602.2 above is correct as the code reads in black.
602.3 actually states; "Owner is required to to supply heat to occupants when leased on terms to provide heat". The "inspector" didn't know the last part of the sentence was in the code.

I showed them other simple errors in their check list that change the meaning such as; "Handrails are required for interior and exterior stairs with 4 or more risers". The code actually reads "A Handrail is required....." changing the meaning from needing more than 1 in their check list to only one required.

I highlighted 10 discrepancies in their check list, told him I was done with his inspection and said "you can leave now or continue your inspection with my wife, the other owner". She was there if he wanted to continue and he left! He picked up all his paperwork INCLUDING ours and walked out. Of course he tried to say he was thrown out and couldn't continue the inspection. His mistake was I also had the tenants present that knew he was able to finish the inspection without me. He never gave me the license to rent and never came back for yearly inspections. His issues were all electric related that I proved wrong again by his check list not quoting the actual code. Nonsense such as his check list stating GFCI was required in "laundry area". Code requires GFCI in laundry area equipped with a SINK. Keyword sink not even on the check list! Apparently other landlords just do as their told without questioning anything.
Don't go by their check list that isn't a part of the code !

I helped out our local codes officer when he couldn't get around for many years. I guess you could say I did the inspections and his signature made it legal. I couldn't have the title since I was a Federal employee and laws prevent you from being active on a Federal and Local level.

 

This guy is a walking encyclopedia! ^ ^ ^

 

Sounds like its high time to start climbing the chain of command...pass this blathering buffoon up! And his boss needs to put him back on the cashiers window collecting permit fees or something...he obviously has control issues!

 

yep about the size of it, Occupancy permit has to be posted- was on bulletin board right at entrance to shop- somehow it vanished ( oops inspector took down -on cam. ) course he is raising h... about it not being there. ( found out later a common occurrence) still I had to blow a whole day and a chunk of change to get a copy from the city chasing back and forth between 2 buildings and 3 less than helpful clerks- that little tid bit is now posted 7 ft off the floor laminated between 2 sheets of plexiglass and lag screwed in to the studs that stunt won't happen again. At home when an inspector said I could not put a new ac condenser on the pad where the old had been for 25 years- he lost. Course every time something like this comes up its another permit for something or other that is required- just follow the money as that is about all it is. Right now I want to put up an out building . It will take at least 3 months before I can even start just for required permits between the town and the county committees that only meet once a month, and I live in the sticks. Might take longer as there is a creek 350+ yards from the house and where I want the outbuilding it will still be about 300 yards away but that is likely going to be a ruling needed from the state DNR. as run off from building roof might impact said creek( pure pasture droppings imo) and so it goes.

 

M1905. General. Solid fuel burning equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance
with Section M1302.1, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions, and NFPA 211-2010 requirements.

1482 is simply the UL test for solid fuel burning room heaters. It can be done by any testing Lab to 1482 specs. This is not specified in codes since codes only require appliances to be approved. What they are tested to is due to the appliance and it's use.
For example fireplace stoves are tested to #737, having File No. MH11256 and MH11238 the same as Fireplace Inserts. The UL tag will specify which testing was used and states "tested to UL #............" This is also on the manual.

The code official is only concerned that it is a listed appliance with UL tag affixed. Installation instructions become a part of this listing so the appliance is installed and used as tested. The Code Official then determines if the installation is in accordance with the installation instructions. In the case of unlisted appliances, they used to have to go by NFPA 211 for unlisted appliances which proved too difficult for inspectors and insurance companies so adopting the International Code that requires ALL appliances to be listed takes the NFPA section for unlisted appliances out of the equation.

 

Permit process is a joke, I refuse to get permits for anything inside the home. My home owners insurance confirmed they didn't require a permit for the wood stove install in order to be covered. Just make sure its to code and professional install. Done and done.