If you’re renovating a bathroom in Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, Warren, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Birmingham, or Bloomfield Hills, the rules for shower glass are clearer than they look—once you know where to look. This guide distills Michigan’s requirements on safety glazing (tempered/laminated glass), where it’s required, and how to verify the permanent safety label (“the bug”) so your project passes inspection the first time.
Fast takeaway: In Michigan, shower and tub enclosures must use safety glass, and that safety glass must carry a permanent, legible label identifying the material and standard it meets. Local inspectors typically reference the Michigan Residential Code (MRC) and state law on safety glazing, plus ICC provisions on “hazardous locations.” (Justia, Michigan Legislature, ICC Digital Codes)
Which glass is required in Michigan showers?
- Safety glazing is mandatory for shower doors, tub enclosures, and similar “hazardous locations.” Michigan’s Safety Glazing Materials Act (Act 311 of 1972) makes it unlawful to fabricate or install anything other than safety glazing in these locations and explicitly calls out shower doors and tub enclosures. (Justia)
- In model codes (referenced by the MRC/IBC), areas around showers and tubs are designated hazardous locations that require safety glazing—this is captured in IRC R308.4 and IBC 2406. (ICC Digital Codes)
What counts as “safety glazing”?
Tempered or laminated glass tested to ANSI Z97.1 and/or CPSC 16 CFR 1201 impact standards. (Both standards are routinely recognized in code and by Michigan statute.) (The ANSI Blog, eCFR)
Code landscape in 2025 (what’s actually enforced right now)
Michigan has been transitioning to newer code editions, but as of September 10, 2025, the state paused implementing the 2021 residential code update while a court case proceeds. Practically, jurisdictions are continuing to enforce the older residential provisions (historically based on 2015 editions) until the pause is lifted. The Building Code (commercial) update to 2021 is in effect, but residential adoption is stayed. Always confirm with your local building department (examples below). (Michigan.gov, miacca.org)
The label every inspector looks for (“the bug”)
Where safety glazing is required, each pane must be permanently labeled. Expect to see a small etched/ceramic-fired mark indicating:
- The manufacturer/labeler
- The glass type (e.g., tempered or laminated)
- The standard met (e.g., ANSI Z97.1, CPSC 16 CFR 1201)
- Sometimes thickness and category (Category I/II impact)
This label must be legible after installation and not removable without destroying it. (My Building Permit)
Tip: If you don’t see the etch, the inspector won’t either. Lack of a visible safety mark is one of the quickest reasons for a red tag. Guidance from ANSI and common code summaries reinforce what the mark looks like and why it matters. (The ANSI Blog)
“Hazardous locations” in bathrooms (quick map)
Summarized from IRC/IBC provisions frequently used by local officials—these are the spots where safety glazing is typically required:
- In doors (swinging, sliding, bifold).
- Adjacent to doors (within certain distances/planes).
- In walls/enclosures around showers and tubs where the bottom edge of glass is under 60 in. above the standing/walking surface.
- Glazing in guards/railings.
- Large low glass near floors that meets size/height thresholds.
- Near stairways/landings within specified strike zones.
- At pools/spas/saunas/steam rooms per distance/height rules. (ICC Digital Codes, The Building Code Blog)
Note: The exact phrasing has evolved across editions (e.g., “faces” vs. “adjacent to” wet areas), which is one reason to confirm with your local AHJ during this interim period. (The Building Code Forum)
Tempered vs. laminated safety glass (which to use?)
- Tempered is the most common in shower doors: strong, heat-treated, and if broken, it crumbles into small granules. Codes and industry guidance widely recognize tempered for wet-area enclosures. (DT Glass)
- Laminated (two lites bonded by an interlayer) can also meet safety standards (and can improve acoustics/UV). If used in wet areas, ensure the edge exposure and hardware are appropriate for moisture and that it carries the required safety mark. Standards: ANSI Z97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201. (eCFR)
Thickness & hardware (what inspectors care about vs. what homeowners feel)
While code focuses on safety compliance and labeling, designers and homeowners usually decide between:
- 3/8 in. (10 mm) tempered for most frameless doors—balances rigidity and weight
- 1/2 in. (12 mm) tempered for a more substantial feel on larger spans
- Quality hinges/rollers rated for the glass thickness and door width
- Holes/notches must be fabricated before tempering; no drilling after (tempered glass will shatter)
These are best-practice details your installer coordinates; inspectors mainly verify safety glazing and installation per code and manufacturer specs.
Windows near showers & tubs (a frequent inspection pitfall)
A standard window near a shower or tub often must be safety glass if it falls into the “wet surface” zone (bottom edge under 60 in. above floor/standing surface and within the prescriptive distances). This requirement is a perennial issue in remodels of homes across Sterling Heights, Troy, and Royal Oak—especially when existing windows sit low. Check your window’s label; if there’s no safety mark, expect to replace sash glass with tempered/laminated to pass. (ICC Digital Codes)
Michigan’s safety glazing statute (why this matters even beyond code)
Separate from building code, Michigan’s Act 311 of 1972 requires:
- Safety glazing in hazardous locations and specifically in shower doors, tub enclosures, and sliding glass doors.
- Permanent labeling identifying the labeler, nominal thickness, type of safety glazing, and that it meets ANSI Z97.1. Using that label on non–safety glazing is prohibited.
- Penalties for violations.
This is long-standing law and gives inspectors clear expectations for shower glass—even while code adoption timing is in flux. (Michigan Legislature)
Permits & who enforces in your city
Local Building Departments (e.g., Sterling Heights Office of Building) enforce the Michigan Construction Code within their jurisdictions and can tell you if a stand-alone shower-door replacement needs a permit in your specific scenario (often not, but it can vary if part of a larger remodel). When in doubt, call before you schedule. (Sterling Heights)
Field checklist for homeowners, GCs & condo boards
Before ordering glass
- Confirm the opening measurements (plumb, level, out-of-square).
- Identify any windows near the wet area that could trigger safety glazing.
- Decide on tempered vs. laminated (both must be labeled). (My Building Permit)
At delivery/install
- Verify every pane that requires it shows a permanent safety mark. (It’s OK if the etch is subtle—just make sure it’s present and legible after install.) (My Building Permit)
- Confirm hinges/rollers are rated for glass thickness/door weight per manufacturer specs.
For condo/HOA projects (Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills, etc.)
- Secure any COI the building requires; reserve elevator/parking/loading per building rules; schedule work windows to minimize noise in occupied buildings.
Frequently asked questions
Do semi-frameless and framed units need safety glass too?
Yes—all glazing in the enclosure that falls under hazardous locations must be safety glazing with a permanent label. Frame style doesn’t remove the requirement. (ICC Digital Codes)
What does “Category I vs. Category II” mean on the label?
These are impact test levels from CPSC 16 CFR 1201 and ANSI Z97.1. For many door applications, Category II is required (higher impact). Your installer and supplier will match the correct category to the use. (multimedia.3m.com)
If a window near my tub has no safety mark, can I just add a sticker?
No. The label must be permanent (etch/fired/embossed or a non-removable type). If the glass wasn’t manufactured and certified as safety glazing, it must be replaced with compliant glass. (My Building Permit)
Are the rules the same in Warren vs. Royal Oak?
The state code and statute are the same, but local enforcement practices and permit thresholds can vary slightly. When in doubt, ask the city’s Building Department before purchasing glass. (Sterling Heights)
The safest—and fastest—path to approval
- Choose tempered or laminated glass that’s properly labeled to ANSI Z97.1/CPSC 16 CFR 1201. (The ANSI Blog, eCFR)
- Ensure every required pane (door, fixed panel, nearby window) meets the hazardous location rules. (ICC Digital Codes)
- Document the make, thickness, and standard on your invoice/spec sheet to answer inspector questions on the spot.
See compliant options in person
Residents of Sterling Heights, Troy, Rochester Hills, Shelby Township, Macomb Township, Warren, Clinton Township, Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills can compare compliant glass types, thicknesses, hardware, and etched labeling in person.
Visit our showroom: 42624 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Sources (select)
- Michigan Safety Glazing Materials Act (Act 311 of 1972): requires safety glazing and permanent labeling; explicitly covers shower doors/tub enclosures. (Michigan Legislature, Justia)
- IRC/IBC glazing in hazardous locations (2021 editions for reference): R308.4 and 2406 enumerate where safety glazing is required. (ICC Digital Codes)
- Safety-glass labeling requirements & examples: code tip sheets and ANSI overview. (My Building Permit, The ANSI Blog)
- CPSC 16 CFR 1201 & ANSI Z97.1: U.S. federal and consensus standards for safety glazing impact tests. (eCFR)
- Michigan 2025 adoption status: LARA’s July 7, 2025 injunction notice; industry updates noting the pause in 2021 residential code implementation. (Michigan.gov, miacca.org)
Need help interpreting a tricky layout in Sterling Heights or Troy (like a low window beside the tub)? Bring photos and rough measurements to the showroom—we’ll walk you through compliant options and a clean install plan.
