Michigan Building Codes for Concrete Patios
- Concrete patios should be reinforced to prevent cracking.hoses on concrete image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
Michigan has regulations for the construction of concrete patios, just as it does for wooden decks. Before construction can start, you must obtain the necessary building permits, select a proper site and clear it. The location of the patio and certain design features affect how a concrete patio must be constructed. When building a concrete patio in Michigan, three separate inspections are required at various points in construction. - Before construction on a concrete patio can begin, you are required to submit a building permit application. This application includes three sets of plot plans for the desired patio space. This plot plan should indicate where the patio would be situated, its total dimensions (width, length and square footage) and setbacks from the side, rear or front yard. In Michigan, concrete patios are forbidden from being built too close to any setbacks (area of the property beyond which any building is prohibited) or easements (common law areas such as sidewalks or walkways). For concrete patios with footings, you also must present a completed cross-section diagram of the finished patio that indicates the depth of the footings (a minimum of 42 inches), the height of the patio and the fill used.
- When preparing the area for construction, remove all vegetation and topsoil without altering the grade of the land. Concrete patios built up against basement walls require trench footings constructed on top of the house's original footings. Michigan requires an inspection at this point in construction to ensure that the footings have been dug to a proper depth. A second inspection takes place once the base of the patio has been filled in with sand. At minimum, this base must be made of tightly compressed sand that's at least 4 inches thick. The fill is then topped off with wire mesh to help control cracking once the concrete has been poured. Michigan requires patio slabs to be a minimum of 4 inches thick. Once the concrete has been poured, the building code requires a third and final inspection.
- The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has specific design requirements for any concrete patio built for multifamily housing. All housing units that are at ground level are typically provided with a concrete patio. At a minimum, this patio should be 80 square feet for a regular family unit. Housing units that are designed for the elderly only require patios that measure 45 square feet. All concrete used should have a strength rating of 4,000 lbs. per square inch at 28-day compressive strength at better.
