Code Compliance

Have you ever heard that something isn't up to code? The code refers to the City’s standards for keeping up houses, buildings and other spaces. We maintain these standards and make sure they're followed.

Property maintenance is critical in preserving investment and quality of life in neighborhoods. Our primary responsibility is to ensure Grand Rapids is a healthy and safe place to live, work and play.

The City is considering an Ordinance that would amend the Property Maintenance Code. No date has been identified to take action. A public hearing to obtain comments from citizens is scheduled in the Commission Chambers, at 7:00 p.m. on February 21, 2023.

Summary of Proposed Amendments(PDF, 86KB)

Read full ordinance language with tracked changes(PDF, 250KB)

Maintaining your rental property

You need to register your rental properties each year with us. You also need to have a Certificate of Compliance through our Rental Certification Program. We issue Certificates for two, four or six years.

Are you looking to buy a house or property to rent it out? Already have a property with rental units? You'll need to renew your registration or register a new property each year. Complete our form to register a rental or vacant property. Check out the list of registered properties here.

Renting in Grand Rapids

Are you looking to rent a property and want to see if it has a current Certificate of Compliance? Check out the full list certified rental properties here. 

Are you a college student renting in Grand Rapids? Check out our off-campus housing brochure here.

Residential Rental Application Fee Complaints

If you think you were charged an application fee in violation of the City’s ordinance when applying for a place to rent, fill out the Residential Rental Application Fee Complaint Form.

Complaint Form(PDF, 476KB)

Inspections

We use the Grand Rapids Property Maintenance Code to guide inspections. This code consists of the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) with local amendments to fit our community’s needs. The International Code Council publishes the IPMC. They copyright the content, so we can't share it with you online. If you want, you can review the 2012 IPMC by visiting:

City Code Sections

Want to take a deeper look into the City Codes we enforce? Check them out below.

Notice of Complaint

Did you receive a Notice of Complaint and would like to schedule an inspection? Call us at 616-456-3053 or stop in to see us at 1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 300.

Rental Certification Inspection

Do you own a rental property and want to schedule an inspection to certify your property? Call us at 616-456-3053 or stop in to see us at 1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 300.

Report Complaints

If you see something, say something! Read below to learn more about how to report a complaint.

Condition Inside of a House

Do you have a complaint about the condition of the inside of a house? This could include heat kept lower than 68 degrees, leaking sinks, or blocked exits. Learn more and report a complaint for disrepair inside a house here.

Condition Outside of a House

Do you have a complaint about the condition of the outside of a house or building? This could include peeling paint, broken fences, or holes in the wall where animals enter. Learn more and report a complaint for disrepair on the outside of a house or building here.

Tall Grass or Trash

Do you have a complaint about tall grass or trash in a yard? Grass or weeds taller than 12 inches or trash in someone’s yard is dangerous. Learn more and report a complaint for tall grass or trash in a yard here.

Unused or Inoperable Vehicle

Do you have a complaint about an unused or inoperable vehicle on private property? Inoperable or unused vehicles are dangerous. You can only report vehicles that have been inoperable for more than 7 days. Learn more and report a complaint for an inoperable or unused vehicle here.

Vacant or Unsecured Houses or Buildings

Do you have a complaint about a house or building without secured windows and doors? Vacant and unsecure houses or buildings are dangerous. Learn more and report a complaint for a vacant house or building here.

Zoning

Is someone using a property in a way that doesn't match the neighborhood? Our zoning ordinance protects the quality of your neighborhoods and business districts. Learn more and report a complaint about a suspected zoning violation here.

Chickens

Have you seen or heard chickens roaming about the neighborhood? You can have chickens in your backyard with a permit.  Chickens must be kept in a fenced-in coop and roosters are not allowed. Learn more and report a complaint for a backyard chicken here.

Appeal a Housing Violation

Did you get a housing violation you'd like to appeal? You have the right to appeal the violation. Learn how to appeal here.

Pay an Invoice

Did your property get a violation or have you received an invoice for a rental certification? Pay the invoice here. Take a look at our Housing and Zoning Fees(PDF, 38KB) and Nuisance Fees(PDF, 26KB).

Citizen Access Portal

Want to know more about a property's code compliance history? Search a property's code enforcement history online using the Citizen Access Portal.

In Person

You can also research properties by coming to our office.

Office Address

1120 Monroe Ave NW
3rd Floor
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Hours

Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Note: we're closed on public holidays.

Contact Us

Phone

616-456-3053

Fax

616-456-3453

Email

codes@grcity.us

Location

Code Compliance
1120 Monroe Ave NW Suite 300
Grand Rapids
49503
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Feedback Form

Have feedback for us? Let us know how we're doing.

Complete the Feedback Form

Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce

About 2.6% of the population, growing closer to 6% in adults over the age of 60, display hoarding behaviors. Visit our page to learn more.

Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Taskforce

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