Renny v. Department of Transportation

In this case we consider whether a “design defect” claim is cognizable under the public building exception to governmental immunity, MCL 691.1406. The plain language of the public building exception imposes a duty only to “repair and maintain” a public building. In the absence of any additional language addressing design defects, we hold that the public building exception to governmental immunity does not permit a cause of action premised upon an alleged design defect. We disavow any dicta to the contrary in our earlier cases and overrule any cases, such as Sewell *493v Southfield Pub Schools1…