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HB 5905

Construction: permits; permit requirements for replacement installation of certain appliances; revise. Amends sec. 10 of 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1510).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Pavlov

HB 5905 would allow replacing equipment without extra permits if the new unit matches capacity and connections, with proof of compliance.

bill electronically reproduced 04/29/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 5905

Summary of Michigan HB 5905 (2025-2026)

Jurisdiction: Michigan | Bill Type: House Bill | Status: Introduced April 29, 2026; referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform

Title: Construction: permits; permit requirements for replacement installation of certain appliances; revise. Amends Sec. 10 of 1972 PA 230 (MCL 125.1510)

Primary sponsor: Rep. Joseph Pavlov

1) Purpose and Intent

HB 5905 proposes amendments to the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act to adjust building permit requirements, particularly in the context of installing replacement equipment. The bill clarifies when a separate construction permit is or is not required for the replacement of existing equipment and related connections (electrical, gas, venting, and water piping). The goal appears to be reducing unnecessary permit handling for replacements that are similar in capacity and do not change the fundamental system design.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 10(1)-(2): Maintains the current framework requiring a written permit application with:

    • An official form prescribed by the code commission.
    • Payment of applicable fees.
    • Detailed statements and scaled plans, including a site plan and owner information.
    • If someone other than the landowner undertakes the work, the application must also include names and addresses of both owner and proposer, with affidavits verifying accuracy. Recognition of agents requires a written instrument (contract, power of attorney, or authorization letter) designating the agent.

  • Section 10(3): Lists licensing and registration information that must appear on building permit applications for certain skilled trades:

    • Occupational license number and license expiration.
    • Verification of workers’ compensation insurance status or exemption reasons.
    • Employer identification number or exemption reasons.
    • Unemployment insurance employer number or exemption reasons.
    • This applies to residential builders, residential maintenance/alteration contractors, plumbers, master/journeyman plumbers, electrical contractors/electricians, and mechanical contractors under corresponding statutory frameworks or local ordinances.

  • Section 10(4): Requires an eight-point boldfaced notice about Section 23a of the state construction code act, warning that conspiring to circumvent licensing requirements is prohibited and subject to civil fines.

  • Section 10(5): Public access requirement; building permit applications and related documents are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); applications remain with the enforcing agency after permit issuance.

  • Section 10(6): Clarifies the act’s scope to allow additional permits for specific kinds of work (e.g., separate plumbing or electrical permits) or staged system permits, where some systems can be constructed/approved before others are completed.

  • Section 10(7)-(10): Maintains existing exemptions:

    • Ordinary repairs do not require a building permit.
    • Agricultural buildings incidental to farming use on the land do not require a building permit if not used for retail trade.
    • Qualifying roadside stands may be exempt from plumbing and electrical requirements unless electric power is used, and still require a building permit; specific criteria define a qualifying roadside stand and its size, seasonal use, ownership, and anchor requirements.
    • Tents meeting the roadside stand criteria are exempt as well.

  • Section 10(11): Replacement equipment permits (new targeted provision):

    • If applying for a permit to install replacement equipment, no additional construction permits are required if:
    • The replacement only involves connecting/adapting an existing electrical circuit, gas line, vent, or water piping.
    • The replacement equipment is similar to the replaced equipment in output capacity and electrical amperage.
    • Sufficient proof is provided (either an installer's affidavit confirming compliance or contractor-provided photos showing the prior equipment).
    • The existing circuits/pipes meet code requirements.

  • Section 10(12): Definitions:

    • Clarifies terms: “construction permit,” “contractor,” and “replacement equipment.”

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Builders, contractors, architects, engineers, and agents involved in residential construction or residential alterations.
  • Licensed trades across several disciplines (residential builders, plumbers, electrical, mechanical) and their licensing/insurance documentation on permit applications.
  • Property owners who hire contractors to replace equipment in residential settings.
  • Enforcing agencies and code officials responsible for processing building permit applications.
  • Small roadside stands and agricultural-related structures may be affected by related exemptions and permit rules.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Administrative action: HB 5905 was introduced on April 29, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.
  • The bill would amend Sec. 10 of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale act (1972 PA 230, as amended in 2016).
  • There is no explicit effective date in the text provided; if enacted, the changes would govern permit applications for replacement equipment and related procedures going forward from the statute’s effective date.
  • Impact on process: the replacement-equipment provision (Section 10(11)) could streamline permitting for certain upgrades, reducing red tape when updating equipment with equivalent capacity.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law to highlight the exact net changes and potential regulatory impacts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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