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.


NEW - Property Maintenance Code Amendments Effective January 1, 2024

(Para obtener información en español, baje a la pestaña, "Capítulo 12: Pintura a base de plomo - Código de Mantenimiento de Propiedades")

On June 13, 2023, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved amendments to the Property Maintenance Code. These amendments go into effect January 1, 2024.

Three changes will be made to local ordinance:

  1. Updating the base property maintenance code to the 2021 version of the International Property Maintenance Code  (IPMC). The City currently uses the 2012 version.

  2. Revising Section 8.504 – Amendments to the Code. Learn more with this document that provides a summary and details of the changes.(PDF, 991KB)

  3. Adding Chapter 12 – Lead-Based Paint, including new requirements to screen for potential lead hazards in pre-1978 rental properties as part of the Rental Certification process. For additional information on the new lead-based paint requirements, see the Lead-Based Paint section below.

The City recently held three opportunities for rental property owners and others to learn about changes to the ordinance. These information sessions were held on August 1, 9, and 24 and were attended by more than 250 people. For those who missed the scheduled meetings, the following resources are available. More information can be found in the Chapter 12 section below.

Video recording of the August 9 session.

Slide deck for the August 9 and 24 sessions. (PDF, 2MB)

On June 13, 2023, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved amendments to the City’s Property Maintenance Code that added Chapter 12 – Lead-Based Paint. This Chapter details requirements for pre-1978 rental properties as part of the Rental Certification process. This change goes into effect January 1, 2024.

Information About the New Requirements

The City has established a Lead-Based Paint Enforcement Threshold that clearly defines prohibited levels of deteriorated paint for the interior of pre-1978 rental housing. There are requirements for both a Lead-Dust Screening for pre-1978 rental housing without paint citations and lead-dust Clearance Examination following cited violations. The Lead-Dust Screening and Clearance Examination must be conducted by private-sector firms registered with the City and contracted by the property owner, much like the process used for mechanical safety inspections.

Chapter 12 Resources:

Chapter 12 - Lead-Based Paint language(PDF, 164KB) as passed by the City Commission 6/13/23.

Fact Sheet(PDF, 197KB)

Inspection Flow Chart(PDF, 200KB)

Video recording of the August 9, 2023 information session (lead-based paint information starts at 14:15)

Slide deck for the August 9, 2023 and August 24, 2023 information sessions(PDF, 2MB) (lead-based paint slides start at slide 11)

For additional information about the requirements of Chapter 12 – Lead-Based Paint, please fill out this webform and City staff will contact you to answer questions.


FREE Lead-Safe Work Practices Training

To assist rental property owners with using lead-safe work practices when maintaining rental property, the City of Grand Rapids is sponsoring and partnering with others to offer FREE training for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (US-EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting program (RRP). Advance registration is required for all RRP training. Dates and registration links will be added as they become available. 

More class dates coming soon

This training will teach rental property owners and their staff how to work lead-safe and will prepare property owners that do their own maintenance in pre-1978 housing to be a Certified Renovator as required by federal rule.

The US-EPA makes it clear that rental property owners doing their own work must be RRP-certified. If a property owner hires or contracts for repairs or maintenance, then the obligation for RRP-certification falls on the firm or individual doing the work. The US-EPA has specific requirements for rental property managers.


FREE "Success with Lead" Training Sessions

"Success with Lead" training sessions are 90-minute classes that teach rental property owners, property managers, and others strategies for maintaining lead-based paint in their housing. This class will equip attendees with the information and tools needed to succeed at reducing the amount of lead dust in pre-1978 rental properties.

Learning objectives for the sessions include the following:

  • Learn about the City of Grand Rapids Lead-Based Paint requirements (Chapter 12).
  • Understand the various types of lead inspections and how to effectively use them to guide property management.
  • Learn about opportunities for capital improvement (abatement projects) and available support resources.
  • Understand how to strategically use routine property assessments and maintenance strategies to reduce potential lead hazards in housing.
  • Know how to engage RRP-certified labor in making repairs.
  • Learn strategies for passing a Lead Dust Screening.
  • Have your questions answered.

All sessions will be held in the second-floor meeting room at the City of Grand Rapids Development Center, 1120 Monroe Ave NW. Register here.

Tuesday, October 17     6:00 - 7:30 pm

Thursday, October 26    1:00 - 2:30 pm

Tuesday, November 14     6:00 - 7:30 pm

Thursday, November 30     1:00 - 2:30 pm

Friday, December 15     1:00 - 2:30 pm


Additional Resources to Address Lead in Rental Properties

NUEVO - Enmiendas al Código de Mantenimiento de Propiedades Efectivo a partir del 1 de enero del 2024

El 13 de junio del 2023, la Comisión de la Ciudad de Grand Rapids aprobó unas enmiendas al Código de Mantenimiento de Propiedades. Estas enmiendas entran en vigor el 1 de enero del 2024.

Tres cambios se harán a la ordenanza local:

  1. Actualización del código básico de mantenimiento de la propiedad a la versión 2021 del Código Internacional de Mantenimiento de la Propiedad  (IPMC). La ciudad utiliza actualmente la versión del 2012.

  2. Revisión de la Sección 8.504 - Enmiendas al Código. Obtenga más información con este documento que proporciona un resumen y detalles de los cambios.(PDF, 991KB)

  3. Añadiendo el Capítulo 12 - Pintura a base de plomo, incluyendo nuevos requisitos para detectar peligros potenciales de plomo en propiedades de alquiler construidas antes del año 1978 como parte del proceso de Certificación de Alquiler.

Información sobre los nuevos requisitos del Capítulo 12

La Ciudad ha establecido un umbral de Cumplimiento de Pintura a Base de Plomo que define claramente los niveles prohibidos de pintura deteriorada en el interior de las viviendas de alquiler construidas antes del año 1978. Existen requisitos tanto para una prueba de Detección de Plomo para viviendas de alquiler construidas antes del año 1978 sin infracciones de pintura como para un Examen de Verificación de Plomo después de infracciones citadas. La Detección de Plomo y el Examen de Verificación de Plomo deben ser realizados por empresas del sector privado registradas en la ciudad y contratadas por el propietario, de forma muy similar al proceso utilizado para las inspecciones de seguridad de los equipos mecánicos.

Más recursos sobre el Capítulo 12

La Ciudad ha programado tres oportunidades para los propietarios de alquiler y otros para aprender acerca de los cambios a la ordenanza y los requisitos. No es necesario inscribirse. Capacidad limitada disponible. Llegue temprano para reservar su asiento.

Martes, 1 de agosto   (150 asientos disponibles)
12:00 - 2:00 de la tarde
Centro de Conferencias de la Diócesis de Grand Rapids
360 South Division Avenue

Miércoles, 9 de agosto   (40 asientos disponibles)
6:00 - 8:00 de la tarde
Development Center (Centro de Desarrollo Urbano)
1120 Monroe Avenue NW—2o piso

Jueves, 24 de agosto   (40 asientos disponibles)
12:00 - 2:00 de la tarde
Development Center (Centro de Desarrollo Urbano)
1120 Monroe Avenue NW—2o piso

Para obtener información adicional sobre los requisitos del Capítulo 12 - Pintura a base de plomo,complete este formulario web y el personal de la Ciudad se pondrá en contacto con usted para responder a sus preguntas.


Capacitación GRATUITO sobre Prácticas Laborales Seguras con el Plomo

Para ayudar a los propietarios de viviendas de alquiler a mantenerlas seguras contra el plomo, la ciudad de Grand Rapids patrocina una capacitación GRATUITA para el programa de Renovación, Reparación y Pintura (RRP) de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos (US-EPA) Se requiere inscripción previa para todos los cursos de RRP. Las fechas y los enlaces de inscripción se agregarán a medida que estén disponibles.

Martes, 26 de septiembre - 
9:00 de la mañana a las 12:00 del mediodía
Híbrido (5 horas en línea por adelantado, 3 horas en persona)
Ofrecido en colaboración con la Asociación de Propietarios de Viviendas de Alquiler

Miércoles, 27 de septiembre Regístrese Aquí
8:00 de la mañana a las 4:00 de la tarde
Kalamazoo County Michigan Works! Southwest Service Center
1601 Burdick Street, Kalamazoo MI 49001
Ofrecido en colaboración con la Asociación de Propietarios de Viviendas de Alquiler

Esta capacitación enseñará a los propietarios de viviendas de alquiler y a su personal a trabajar de forma segura con el plomo y preparará a los propietarios que realizan su propio mantenimiento en viviendas anteriores a 1978 para ser renovadores certificados tal como lo exige la norma federal.

La US-EPA deja claro que los propietarios de viviendas de alquiler que realicen su propio trabajo deben contar con la certificación RRP. Si el propietario emplea o contrata servicios de reparación o mantenimiento, la obligación de obtener la certificación RRP recae en la empresa o persona que realiza el trabajo. La US-EPA tiene requisitos específicos para los administradores de propiedades de alquiler.


Sesiones de capacitación "Éxito con el plomo" GRATUITAS

Las sesiones de capacitación "Éxito con el plomo" son clases de 90 minutos que enseñan a los propietarios de viviendas de alquiler, administradores de propiedades y otras estrategias para mantener las viviendas seguras contra el plomo. Esta clase equipará a los participantes con la información y las herramientas necesarias para tener éxito en la reducción de la cantidad de polvo de plomo en las propiedades de alquiler construidas antes del año 1978.

Los objetivos de aprendizaje de las sesiones son los siguientes:

  • Conocer los requisitos de la ciudad de Grand Rapids sobre pintura a base de plomo (capítulo 12).
  • Comprender los distintos tipos de inspecciones de plomo y cómo utilizarlas eficazmente para orientar a los administradores de las propiedades.
  • Aprender acerca de las oportunidades de mejora del capital (proyectos de reducción) y los recursos de apoyo disponibles.
  • Comprender cómo utilizar estratégicamente las evaluaciones rutinarias de la propiedad y las estrategias de mantenimiento para reducir los riesgos potenciales del plomo en las viviendas.
  • Saber cómo contratar mano de obra certificada RRP para realizar reparaciones.
  • Aprenda estrategias para pasar una prueba de Detección de Plomo.
  • Obtenga respuestas a sus preguntas.

Todas las sesiones se llevarán a cabo en la sala de reuniones del segundo piso del Centro de Desarrollo Urbano (Development Center) de la ciudad de Grand Rapids, 1120 Monroe Ave NW. Regístrese aquí.

MARTES, 12 DE SEPTIEMBRE     1:00 - 2:30 DE LA TARDE

JUEVES, 28 DE SEPTIEMBRE    6:00 - 7:30 DE LA TARDE

MARTES, 17 DE OCTUBRE     6:00 - 7:30 DE LA TARDE

JUEVES, 26 DE OCTUBRE    1:00 - 2:30 DE LA TARDE

MARTES, 14 DE NOVIEMBRE     6:00 - 7:30 DE LA TARDE

JUEVES, 30 DE NOVIEMBRE     1:00 - 2:30 DE LA TARDE

VIERNES, 15 DE DICIEMBRE     1:00 - 2:30 DE LA TARDE


Recursos adicionales para tratar el plomo en propiedades de alquiler

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 (ICC) publishes the IPMC and has a copyright on the content, so you must view it on their website. If you want a printed copy, you must purchase one from the ICC. If you want, you can also 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 hereTake a look at our Housing and Zoning Fees(PDF, 136KB) and Nuisance Fees(PDF, 111KB).

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
View Map

Hours

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

Note: we're closed on public holidays.