Customer service windows will be re-opening Monday, June 8, 2020

Limited Hours

Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

• Water/Sewer Payments
• Refuse Account Payments
• Parking Ticket Payments
• Purchasing tags and bags for refuse and yard waste collection
• Set up water/sewer or refuse accounts
• Miscellaneous Receivables Payments (code compliance, NSF fees, permit fees)
• Accounts Receivable Payments
• Community Development Block Grant Loan Payments

Can't make it to City Hall? Most services are also available online.

• Water/Sewer Payments
• Refuse Account Payments
• Parking Ticket Payments
• Order Blue City Trash Bags
• Order Yard Waste Cart Tags
• Start Water/Sewer Service
• Request Trash, Recycling, and Yard Waste Services
• Miscellaneous Receivables Payments (code compliance, NSF fees, permit fees)
• Community Development Block Grant Loan Payments

All Online Services

• Limited staff will be in office Monday through Friday to accommodate appointments and walk in inquiries.
• There is a limit to 1 customer (party) at a time at the walk-in counter to maintain appropriate social distancing. Additional walk-in customers will have to wait on the plaza level check-in until space is available.
• Appraisers will be conducting neighborhood field review by car. Only one person allowed in the car at a time and will photograph properties from the car.
• The Assessor’s Office staff will not do interior inspections of occupied buildings until further notice. New construction interviews will be conducted by telephone interviews, review of building plans and distance inspection.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Property Assessment Data
• Property Record Cards
• Mailing Address Change
• File a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit

All Online Services

• Continuing to process FOIA requests as best as possible
• No public walk-ins, appointments will be accommodated when necessary and appropriate.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• File a Freedom of Information Act Request
• File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request for Police Records

All Online Services

• The Clerk’s Office has suspended all passport processing through the November 3^rd election, with plans to resume on November 9, 2020.
• Notary services will be available by appointment only until further notice.
• Appointments should also be made for any business licensing or public information requests that cannot completed online, by phone or email.
• Residents needing assistance with Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Requests can be seen without an appointment. We encourage customers to make an appointment whenever possible.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Current Election Information
• Business Licensing
• Request City Archives Services
• Apply for Boards and Commissions

All Online Services

• Meetings with City Commissioners are by appointment only. Please call 616-456-3035 to schedule an appointment. Any walk-ins can request a meeting through the plaza level ambassador.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Meeting Notices
• City Commission Briefings
• Office of the City Commission

All Online Services

• Interior property inspections have resumed.
• No more than 4 people can be present during the inspection. This includes the Code Compliance Officer, the owner/manager, occupant, etc.
• Staff will ask Health Screening Questions on site prior to conducting an inspection. Inspections will be rescheduled if necessary.
• Code Compliance Officers will wear appropriate PPE during inspections and maintain safe physical distancing.
• Masks or face coverings are required for any person present during the inspection.
• Notices of Violation (for exterior housing codes) that became due before June 1 and deferred Notices of Violation (for exterior housing codes) will be extended eight 8 weeks from the original due date with no late fees assessed.
• Invoices for violations will be issued beginning August 1^st
• Rental Certification inspections of all types were suspended through June 12, 2020. Existing certifications due in June have been extended through June 30, 2020. Code Enforcement Staff will issue extensions and reschedule certification inspections, as necessary.
• No late fees will be assessed for rental property certifications that were rescheduled due to the pandemic.
• Nuisance roll for past due invoices (7/1/2019-12/31/2019) will be added to 2020 Summer tax bills.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

Rental Properties

• Register a Rental or Vacant Property
• About the Rental Certification Program

Violation Appeals and Invoices

• Appeal Housing Violations
• Code Compliance Invoice Payments

Property Maintenance Complaints

• Condition Inside of a House
• Condition Outside of a House
• Tall Grass or Trash
• Unused or Inoperable Vehicle
• Vacant or Unsecured Houses or Buildings
• Zoning
• Backyard Chickens

All Online Services

In Person meetings will be by appointment only

• Housing Rehabilitation and Lead Hazard Control Program operations will resume June 8. Initial requests for assistance can be submitted online at www.grcity.us/grants.
• Applicants are encouraged to a use postage paid envelope to return complete applications and supporting documents to the Community Development Department.
• Housing Rehabilitation applications and supporting documents can be left with the City Hall Ambassador on the Plaza Level.
• If a customer is having trouble making a Community Development loan payment, we are glad to discuss payment arrangements. Please contact the Community Development Department at 616-456-3677 or LHCP@grcity.us.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Housing Rehabilitation Program
• Lead Hazard Control Program
• Community Development Loan Payments

All Online Services

• Much of the business with outside vendors can be conducted through the vendor self-service website.
• In-person business is being accommodated through appointments

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Vendor Self Service (VSS)

All Online Services

• The development center will be open for appointments only.
• Inspections for residential and commercial projects are being completed. When scheduling be prepared to answer questions on occupancy and any illness present. Video-enabled inspections will be available at the discretion of the inspector.
• The health and safety of our staff and community is our top priority. All inspectors will be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and retain the right to refuse entry and request to re-schedule the inspection should safety concerns arise.
• Given the space constraints, any customers that want to meet with a planner will need to schedule a virtual meeting.
• Planning Commission, BZA, and HPC meetings will be held virtually for the month of June.
• City staff will work with businesses and property owners to temporarily re-purpose parking and other areas for outdoor seating based upon temporarily reduced parking demand, availability of other nearby parking facilities and other factors.
• We’re partnering with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), business associations and other groups to increase the availability of outdoor seating for restaurants and bars as they reopen to dine-in service. Learn more about Outdoor Space Activation and Social Zones.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

Land Use

• Apply for a Land Use (LUDS) Permit
• Verify Property Use
• Apply for Temporary Occupancy of Right-of-Way
• Apply for a Special Land Use
• Apply for a Site Plan Review 

Permits

• Apply for a Demolition Permit
• Apply for a Pool Permit
• Apply for an Electrical Permit
• Apply for a Sign Permit
• Apply for a Mechanical Permit
• Apply for a Fence Permit
• Apply for a Deck Permit
• Apply for a Driveway Permit
• Apply for a Utility Permit
• Apply for an Encroachment Permit
• Apply for a Residential Building Permit
• Apply for a Backyard Chicken Permit
• Apply for a Private Property Event Permit
• Apply for a Recreational Fire Permit
• Apply for a Commercial Building Permit

Complaints

• Report a Complaint About Active Construction
• Report a Complaint About a Contractor
• Report a Complaint about Backyard Chickens

Licenses

• Apply for a City Apprentice Electrician Registration
• Apply for a City Fire Alarm Specialty Apprentice Registration
• Apply for a City Electrical Contractor License
• Apply for a City Sign Specialty Contractor License
• Apply for a City Fire Alarm Specialty Technician License
• Apply for a City Factory/Building Electrical License
• Apply for a City Fire Alarm Contractor License
• Apply for a Journeyman Electrician License
• Apply for a City Sign Specialty Technician License
• Apply for a City Master Electrician License
• Renew a Construction License or Registration

License Examinations

• Sign Up for a Boiler License Examination
• Sign Up for a Fire Alarm Contractor Exam
• Sign Up for a Fire Alarm Specialty Technician Exam
• Sign Up for a Factory Contractor Exam
• Sign Up for a Sign Specialty Technician Exam
• Sign Up for an Electrical Contractor Exam
• Sign Up for an Electrical Journeyperson Exam
• Sign Up for an Electrical Master Exam

Administration

• Request to be Added to an Existing Application

Other

• Upgrade a Cell Phone Tower and Antenna

All Online Services

• The office will not be open for walk-ins, customers will need to make appointments to meet with staff in person.
• The entire Economic Development team will continue to be available during normal office hours via phone or email and appointments for remote meetings can be made. Our general email is econdevshrd@grcity.us and the general line is 616-456-3431.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Apply for a Brownfield Redevelopment Program
• Apply for an Industrial or High Tech Tax Abatement
• Apply for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) Certificate
• Apply for Personal Property Tax Abatement
• Apply for Obselete Property Tax Abatement
• Apply for an Urban Garden Permit

All Online Services

• Most Engineering services are available online or via phone/email. We remain flexible for those with technology barriers and will be scheduling appointments as needed. Walk-ins will be seen on a case-by-case basis, depending on available staff.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Request Utility Plans or Documents
• Become a Prequalified Contractor/Consultant for City Projects
• Apply for a Sidewalk Builder's License
• Request Information on Easements
• Request to Start Private Development

All Online Services

• Meetings with visitors will be by appointment only.
• Customers requiring assistance should start by contacting 3-1-1 so a service request can be submitted to the appropriate staff.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Environmental Services Department

All Online Services

Info Coming Soon!

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• File a Human Rights Complaint
• File a Title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Complaint
• Apply for Micro-Local Business Enterprise (Micro-LBE) Certification
• Submit Equal Employment Opportunity Workforce Information

All Online Services

• The fire department has suspended scheduling for the Home Safety Assessment program. We appreciate your patience and will make an announcement as soon as we are able to resume the program.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Submit your Chemical Survey
• Register a Fire Alarm System
• Apply for an Operational Permit

All Online Services

• Starting June 8, 2020, the offices will be open for walk-ins and appointments. Due to limited on-site staffing we encourage you to make an appointment.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Apply for a City Job
• Subscribe to Receive Updates for City Jobs
• Apply for a Seasonal or Temporary City Job
• How to Create an Applicant Profile for City Jobs
• How City Employees Apply for a Transfer or Promotion
• Apply for a Seasonal or Temporary City Job
• Apply for the Youth Fire Academy
• Subscribe to Receive Updates for City Jobs
• Apply for a City Job
• How City Employees Apply for a Transfer or Promotion
• How to Create an Applicant Profile for City Jobs

All Online Services

• Individual and Corporate tax returns as well as first quarter estimated payments originally due April 30th are now due July 31st. Second quarter estimated payments due June 30th will also now be due July 31st. There are no changes to withholding due dates. 
• The Income Tax Office will be open for walk-ins during limited hours 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
• Tax preparation assistance will be provided on the 3^rd floor. Although walk-ins can be accommodated, we encourage customers to make an appointment due to limited space.
• Appointments are available 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
• City of Grand Rapids continues to work with taxpayers to establish payment plans.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Income Tax Payments
• Upload Your Tax Withholding
• Upload Your Tax Return
• City Income Tax Forms
• State Tax Forms
• IRS Tax Forms

All Online Services

The Grand Rapids Public Library has developed a four-phased plan to reopen its eight buildings after Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order has been lifted.

In Phases I and II, buildings will be closed to the public. A date to reopen buildings with limited services (Phase III), has yet to be determined.

Phase I

• Starting June 8, 2020, patrons can return material to outside book drops. Returned material will be heat treated and quarantined for 72 hours to prevent the spread of germs and other contaminants. Patrons will not be charged fines for overdue material.

Phase II

• June 29, 2020 the new curbside holds pick up service, GRPL To Go, will begin. Library patrons will be able to place up to 25 holds in their GRPL account and pick them up at the location of their choice. The no-contact pick up can be done via their vehicle or walk up. Holds must be placed in advance and a patron will be contacted when they are ready for pick up. Patrons who had holds that were not picked up before the quarantine will still be able to retrieve their material through this service.
• The library will also offer free printing services for patrons in Phase II. Patrons will be able to submit a document through a form and the library will print it and make it available for curbside pick-up.

Learn more about the Grand Rapids Public Library.

• Grand Rapids Public Library

All Online Services

Appointment Required

The Mobile GR office will continue to be open to walk in customers by appointment only.

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or for assistance with account management contact us using the info below.

Email

mobilegr@grand-rapids.mi.us

Phone

616-456-4104

Drop Boxes

Customers can drop off payments and pick up and return access cards and validation tickets 24/7 via the Mobile GR drop boxes.

Mobile GR Service Details

• All Residential Parking Permits renewed through October 31,2020. Permit holders will receive renewal notices this fall.
• Suspended parking enforcement of metered parking areas through July 6, 2020. Enforcement will focus on safety violations.
• We will temporarily suspend enforcing in the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones. All permits are extended at no cost to residents through October 31. RPP enforcement will resume Monday, August 3.
• Implementing free Temporary 15-minute parking pick up / drop off zones for restaurants and business to support take out and pickup services as they reopen via MOTU.
• Monthly parking fees for all parking customers were reduced by 50% for the month of April and 25% for the months of May and June.
• Monthly rent payments have been deferred to Fiscal Year 2021 for Mobile GR tenants.
• Starting July 1, 2020, “No Parking Zone” fines will increase from $30 to $40.
• Starting August 1, 2020, the city will resume impounding vehicles for unpaid tickets.

DASH

DASH Service will resume on May 26th, 2020 consistent with The Rapid’s next schedule change for summer service. Below is the new schedule:

Monday - Friday

6:30 am - 10:00 pm

Saturday

10:00 am - 10:00 am

Sunday

No Service

• Frequency will remain the same – 8 minutes between coaches.
• Sunday service is eliminated until further notice.
• May 26th start date is not moveable due to The Rapid’s internal driver scheduling etc.
• Customers are requested to wear masks on-board. Mobile GR and The Rapid will be placing messaging at stops and on-board to this effect in Spanish and English.
• Social distancing will be encouraged on buses by placing signage on seats – current recommended capacity for DASH buses is 10 customers per coach which will be enforced by The Rapid. Relief buses may be sent out to pick up customers left behind due to social distancing requirements.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Request Parking Validation Tickets for Special Events
• Reserve Parking Meters
• Request a Monthly Parking Permit and Placement on Waiting List
• Apply for a Downtown Parking Lot Permit
• Renew a Belknap Lookout Residential Parking Permit
• Apply for a Residential Parking Permit
• Sign-Up for Monthly Parking Card Auto Pay
• Apply for an On Street Parking Permit for Downtown
• Request Parking Validation Tickets for Daily Visitors
• Host a Community Block Party
• Sign-Up for Monthly Parking Card Auto Pay

All Online Services

• Meetings in the Executive Office are by appointment only. Please email manager@grcity.us or call 616-456-3166 to schedule an appointment. Any walk-ins can request a meeting through the plaza level ambassador.
•  The Mayor’s Office will be doing many meetings virtually and is limiting large group/on site meetings whenever possible.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Executive Office

All Online Services

Info Coming Soon!

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Office of Oversight and Public Accountability

All Online Services

• Event permit process will resume and continue so long as the outdoor gathering or event does not exceed 100 people. Those not part of the same household must maintain six feet of distance from one another.
• All meetings will be by appointment only and in person meetings will be limited to 2 people.
• OSE Review Meetings will be held virtually through August.
• Social District Zones will be permitted as special events. See the Outdoor Space Activation and Social Zones page for more information.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Apply for a Special Event Permit
• Find Nearby Events
• Apply for a Film and Photography Permit
• Request Blue Bridge Lighting
• Apply for a Wedding Permit
• Apply for Equipment Rental

All Online Services

Info Coming Soon!

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Our Community's Children
• Donate to Our Community's Children
• Employment Opportunities through the LEAD Program

All Online Services

All parks, dog parks, and trails remain open.

Re-Opening Amenities

Starting Monday, June 8, 2020, staff will begin opening the following park amenities to the public with physical distancing guidelines:

• Basketball Courts (subject to change based on community behavior)
• Bike Polo Courts
• Futsal Courts
• Pickleball Courts (subject to change based on community behavior)
• Tennis Courts
• Volleyball Courts
• Disc Golf
• Soccer Fields
• Baseball and Softball Fields
• Skateboarding Features
• Exercise Equipment
• Picnic Shelters & Picnic Tables
• Grills
• Playgrounds

Splash Pads

City splash pads will begin reopening June 8. Getting them all up and running will take some time. Use the link below to see the status of all of the splash pads throughout the city.

• Splash Pads

Amenities Remaining Closed

The following amenities will remain closed until further notice:

• Restrooms
• Drinking Fountains
• Enclosed Shelters and Community Gyms
• Pools

Facility Rentals

Facility rentals (for outdoor shelters only) will resume June 12, 2020.

Golf Course

The Indian Trails Golf Course will remain open in a manner that protects customers and employees consistent with Executive Order 2020-77 and any future orders regarding golf course operations in Michigan, including that carts will be permitted to be used by players.

Burials

Burials will continue to be conducted, so long as people who are not part of the same household maintain six feet of distance from one another and the assemblage consists of no more than 100 people. If the funeral service or gathering is conducted in an enclosed space, no more than 10 people who are not part of the same household may gather and face coverings must be used.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Register for Adult Fitness Seasonal Programs
• Register for Adult Softball
• Request Cemetery Services
• Register for OnBase with GRPD
• Register for Youth T-Ball or Baseball
• Apply for a Park Facility Alcohol Permit
• Plantar Árboles- Optar por no
• Request a Tree Planting
• Plantar Árboles- Solicitud
• Opt Out of Tree Planting
• Reserve a Park Facility
• Register for Youth Soccer
• Apply for a Residential Parking Permit
• Apply for a City Park Food Truck Permit
• Find Nearby Parks

All Online Services

• Customers requesting a fingerprinting or live-scan will be required to go through a health screening and wear a mask. (Employee will also be wearing PPE including a N-95 mask)
• Anyone refusing the health screen or not wearing a mask will be refused this service.
• Individuals coming to the Police Department to recover lost or stolen property will no longer be brought back beyond the lobby. All information/transactions will be conducted behind the glass.
• If the property is too large to be slid under the glass partition, the Officer will don the proper PPE and the items are handed to the individual.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• File an Internal Affairs Complaint
• Report a Crime
• Apply for a Burglary Alarm Permit
• View a Grand Rapids Crime Map
• Apply for the Police Explorer Program
• Apply for the Youth Police Academy
• Apply for the Police Volunteer & Neighborhood Services Program
• Apply for the Police Chief’s Youth Advisory Council
• Apply for a 24 Hour Liquor License
• Apply for a "You Are Not Alone" (YANA) Check
• Apply for a Vacation House Check
• Register a Security Camera System
• Register for Community Alerts Using Nixle
• Apply for the Citizen Police Academy
• File a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request For Police Records
• Report an Abandoned Vehicle on the Street

All Online Services

Cart Tipping Fee Increase

Starting July 1, 2020, cart tipping fees will increase (first increase in 4 years)

• 32 gallon - $3.05 to $3.15
• 64 gallon - $5.10 to $5.25
• 96 gallon - $7.15 to $7.35

Cart Services

Starting July 1, 2020:

• Cart swaps will resume
• Collection of carts with a negative balance will resume

Yard Waste

• The City's Yard Waste Drop-off Site will remain open for limited hours 8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Monday - Saturday until further notice
• Beginning Friday, June 19 the City’s Yard Waste Drop-off Site will expand their operational hours to 9am-6pm (M-S)
• The Yard Waste Drop-off Site now allows multiple axle and hydraulic dump trailers at the site. We don’t allow trucks with a commercial logo unless it is a rental vehicle and the resident provides the rental agreement.

Online Orders for Refuse Product

Customers can order blue refuse bags and yellow yard waste tags from the city website until further notice.

Other Products

The following products are available for purchase at the 311 Customer Service Window in the Monroe Level Lobby of City Hall Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

• Yard Waste Bags ($2.50/bag)
• Yard Waste Bulk Tags ($2.50/tag)
• Yard Waste Cart Tags ($6.00/tag)
• Blue Refuse Bags ($3.00/bag)
• Appliance Tag ($25.00/tag)
• Bulk Item Tag ($20.00/tag)

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Waste Service Payments
• Request Trash, Recycling, or Yard Waste Services
• Order Blue City Trash Bags
• Order Yard Waste Cart Tags
• Yard Waste Drop-Off Site
• Look Up Trash and Recycling Pick Up Dates

All Online Services

• Much of the business with outside vendors can be conducted through the vendor self-service website.
• In-person business is being accommodated through appointments

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Vendor Self Service (VSS)

All Online Services

Starting June 8, 2020, the Treasurer’s Office will be open for walk in customers. Staff will be wearing personal protective equipment and stations will be set 6 ft apart to help customers maintain a safe social distance.

Other Payment Options

We encourage our customers to take advantage of the multiple payment options available that have no convenience fee:

• GR PayIt
• Official Payments – 877-495-0333
• City of Grand Rapids Drop Box on Ottawa Avenue – we will be emptying the drop box by 8 am, 12 pm (noon), and 4 pm. 
• US Postal Service

Contact Info

You can reach Treasurer staff by email or phone.

Email

grtreasurer@grcity.us

phone

616-456-3020.

Property Taxes

There will be no changes to the billing, collection, or due dates for property taxes.

• Property taxes are due 7/31/20

Past Due Accounts

• Past due accounts transferred to collection agency (EOS USA) August 1 (tickets, accounts receivable, and miscellaneous receivables)

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Water/Sewer Bill Payments
• Waste Service Payments
• Parking Ticket Payments
• Property Tax Payments
• Income Tax Payments
• Code Compliance Invoice Payments
• Invoices for City Services and Fees
• Miscellaneous Receivable Invoices
• Community Development Loan Payments
• Invoices for City Services and Fees
• Dispute a Parking Ticket
• Apply for Deferment of Summer Taxes
• Disabled Parking Explanation
• Community Development Loan Payments
• Payment Options, Fees, and Details

All Online Services

Water Shutoffs Remain Suspended

• We have suspended water shutoffs until further notice. This includes services that were restored due to non-payment. You are still required to pay water and sewer bills in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in service termination or outstanding balances being added to your taxes.

Water and Sewer Bill Payment Assistance

• For water payment assistance, contact Kent County Community Action at 616-632-7950.

Limited Appointments

• Starting Monday, June 8, 2020, we will begin limited appointments for cross connection inspections and meter replacements in occupied properties. Work at vacant and commercial properties will continue as normal.
• Our facility at 1900 Oak Industrial Dr will be open, but it is strongly encouraged that customers schedule appointments.
• Virtual lead service line inspections will continue, limited in person appointments can be scheduled.
• Issuance of hydrant connectors continue by appointment only.
• Tours of the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant are discouraged until further notice.
• Flow tests remain unchanged and can be requested online.

Can't make it to City Hall? Many services are also available online.

• Water/Sewer Bill Payments
• Start Water Service
• End Water Service
• Request a Water Leak Credit
• Rent a Fire Hydrant Connection
• Adopt a Hydrant
• View Current or Past Water Bills
• Request Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
• Water Turned off for Non-Payment
• Request a Water Stockroom Tour
• Rent a Fire Hydrant Connection
• Request a Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) Tour

All Online Services