Let me first apologize for my first posting being such a lame post, however I am a amateur do-it-yourselfer and slightly confused about the code in michigan.

According to the 2003 Michigan Residential Code, basements shall have a minimum ceiling height of 7'. An exception states that - Ceilings in basements without habitable spaces may project to within 6'-8" of the finished floor, and beams girders and ducts or other obstructions may project to within 6'-4" of the finished floor.

Now my question is for the 6'-4" limit is that in an area without habitable space?

I have a basement height of 7' 8" and after I box in my main duct which runs along the basement ceiling, I'll have a height of 6'-7". I am not sure this meets code?

I will confirm with the city, but just wondering if anyone has run into this before?

Please help.....
btw this is for a General purpose room with a entertainment area, I hope to start posting pictures shortly.

Thanks in advance

I'd say that's a matter of interpretation for the inspector. To read it as you wrote it, the 2 lower restrictions apply to basements that have NO habitable area in them.

Bryan

thats what I was afraid of.....
Hoping someone from Michigan has had to deal with the issue.
When I had my house built I paid for a deeper basement in hopes of one day finishing it. I don't understand how people get around this height limitation.

I would read that to mean that you will be compliant with the code. Because you are soffiting / boxing ductwork, you should be allowed. Good luck!

Well I talked to the Shelby Township City Office and I am clear to continue with the height of my soffit. :D