Development Center Now Open to General Walk-In Traffic
The Development Center (which houses the Planning Department) is now open to general walk-in traffic. In-person appointments with Development Center staff are also available on a limited basis. You can schedule an appointment for in-person services online or by calling 616.456.4100.
Schedule Appointment
Please see this page for more information.
Temporary Service Changes
Permitting
Permit applications can be submitted through the following methods:
- Online through Citizen Access
- A secure drop box located outside the front entry door
- In-person during a scheduled appointment. The Dev Center is closed to walk-in customers from Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 8.
Plan Review
Plan review will continue to be completed online. The Development Center is closed to walk-in customers from Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 8. However, you may schedule an appointment for in-person services by calling 616-456-4100. If you have questions for a specific reviewer, we recommend you contact them directly by phone or email.
Commercial Inspections
- In-person inspections of commercial and industrial facilities will continue.
- Video-enabled inspections may be possible for smartphone users at the discretion of the inspector. If you are able to participate in a video-enabled inspection, please communicate that to the scheduling agent.
- Inspections may be scheduled online or by contacting the 311 Customer Service Center (311 or 616-456-3000).
Residential Inspections
- In-person inspections of residential interior spaces will continue. If an occupant has COVID-19 symptoms, the inspection will be rescheduled, unless it is deemed immediately necessary for public health or safety by departmental management.
- Video-enabled inspections may be possible for smartphone users at the discretion of the inspector. If you are able to participate in a video-enabled inspection, please communicate that to the scheduling agent.
- Inspections may be scheduled online or by contacting the 311 Customer Service Center (311 or 616-456-3000).
Contacting Staff
Our staff remain available to assist you by email and phone. You may also contact the Development Center at 616-456-4100 or by email at devcenter@grcity.us.
Overview
Building something new? Making changes to an existing building or property? We’re here to help make sure that work gets done right. We handle planning, permits, and inspections so you can rest assured that buildings in Grand Rapids are safe for people to use and meet our community's design standards.
The Development Center brings together people from Planning, Engineering, Code Compliance, Fire Department, and others to make it easier for you to build or renovate buildings in Grand Rapids.
Take a look at the interactive report below to see data related to development in the City of Grand Rapids in recent years!
Customer Ombudsperson
The Customer Ombudsperson is a cross-departmental liaison who provides customer support and assistance in identifying the permits needed for a proposed project, assisting small business owners with licensing requirements and other required approvals, connecting customers with available economic development incentives, and ensuring projects are moving through the appropriate channels in a timely manner.
Learn more about how the Customer Ombudsperson can help you!
Building Codes and Planning
Structures need to meet certain standards so they aren't dangerous to the people using them. We call these standards “building codes.” We also verify that improvements to structures and properties meet our community's standards. This includes where different types of activities are allowed, what building materials are used, how stormwater is managed and how utilities are designed. If you hear talk about “code compliance” we’re talking about making sure buildings and properties meet these standards.
The State of Michigan adopts construction codes that govern most aspects of building construction in the state. Michigan bases its construction codes on standards published by the International Code Council (ICC) and updates them every 3 years.
We at the City of Grand Rapids enforce the Michigan construction codes. We also adopt and enforce many local ordinances and policies related to land use, building design, site design, utilities, and other aspects of development.
Codes are why most construction requires a permit, even renovation projects in your own home. They're also why we need to review plans for what you intend to build before we can issue a permit. We review plans to make sure proposed construction meets safety standards and doesn’t break any laws. We also keep those plans on record.
Permits and Inspections
A permit is an official document that verifies the work you’re doing is legal. You’ll need a permit for all new construction and any modifications made to an existing structure. If you’re changing electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems you’ll probably need permits for that work as well.
You can begin work as soon as you receive your permits. Then, when the work's completed, call to request an inspection. Your inspector’s name and phone number are typically printed on your permit.
The inspector checks to make sure everything is okay. Click here to see the current Building Inspections Fee Schedule. Once the work passes inspections, we can issue a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy is official proof the building is safe for people to use. Congrats, and well done!