Mechanical Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mechanical Code?
The mechanical code regulates the design, installation, maintenance, and alteration of mechanical systems, including heating systems, ventilation systems, steam and hot water heating systems, process piping, boilers and pressure vessels, appliances using gas, liquid or solid fuel, chimneys and vents, mechanical refrigeration systems, fireplaces, incinerators, crematories, fire suppression systems, air pollution control systems and systems using solar or geothermal energy.
The City of Lansing enforces the 2006 Edition of the Michigan Mechanical Code.
What is the purpose of the Mechanical Code?
The code provides the minimum requirements considered essential to the safe installation and operation of mechanical systems to protect the public health, safety , and welfare.
When is a Mechanical Permit required?
A permit is required before any mechanical system installation or alteration is begun. The following items do not require a permit.
- A portable heating appliance.
- Portable ventilation equipment.
- Portable cooling equipment or portable evaporative cooler.
- Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the Code.
- Replacement of any minor part which does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.
- Service work performed on any equipment or system that does not alter the approval of the equipment or make it unsafe.
- Self contained refrigeration system with less than 10 pounds of refrigerant or actuated by a motor of 1 horsepower or less.
- Removal of any equipment or system.
- A boiler or pressure vessel for which a permit is required by sections 17 and 18 of Act No. 290 PA of 1965, as amended.
Must I be a licensed to obtain a mechanical permit?
A homeowner may obtain a mechanical permit for work to be done by them in their own home. The homeowner must file a homeowner's affidavit with the application for a mechanical permit. Homeowner's privileges extend to single family residences only and do not apply to any residence or structure from which a monetary gain (i.e. rent) is being received or is intended to be received or which is being used for commercial purposes.
Permits for any work done in a commercial, multi family residential, industrial, or other structure must be obtained by an authorized licensed mechanical contractor subject to State law.
How can I be sure the mechanical contractor I hired is licensed?
Ask the contractor to see his/her license or for his/her license number. Any reputable mechanical contractor will be glad to give you this information. You can then check the license by calling the Mechanical Division of the Bureau of Construction Codes at (517) 241-9325. You may inquire if the license is current and if any complaints are pending.
Who do I contact for an inspection?
You can call one of the Mechanical Inspectors listed below between 8:00 and 9:00AM or 12:00 and 1:00PM to arrange an inspection. You can call at other times and leave your name and telephone number on voice mail and the inspector will call you back. You may NOT schedule inspections on voice mail.
Mr. Brian Shields - Chief Mechanical Inspector - (517) 483-4577
Mr. Cal Baxter - Mechanical Inspector - (517) 483-4372
Didn't find your question? Feel free to submit your specific question to buildingsafety@ci.lansing.mi.us
