Apply for a Residential Remodel or Repair Building Permit

If you are planning a remodel or repair to your single-family home or 2-family duplex, you will need to apply for a residential building permit.

A permit ensures the work meets our community's standards as defined in the Michigan residential building code and the City of Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance.

Homeowner considerations: We recommend homeowners applying for their own permit to stop in to apply in person. Licensed contractors please use whichever method you're most comfortable with.

Note: Other permits may be required (electrical, mechanical, plumbing). A land use - soil erosion control permit will be needed if you are within 500 feet of a lake, river, stream, or open drain.

Online Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • To apply, you must be the owner and occupant or a licensed residential builder
  • Or a written authorization from a license holder is needed

Step 2.Plans

Uploaded plans are required.

Plans need to show:

  • Location
  • Size
  • Detail of the proposed project 

Step 3.Calculate the value of improvements

Include these costs to determine the value of improvements you'll make for this project:

  • Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading and other costs
  • Construction labor costs

Not needed:

  • Architectural fees, cost of lot, landscaping and/or personal property

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 5.Apply online

Apply Online in English

Step 6.Upload plans through ePlan Room

After submitting your permit application, you will need to upload your plans. You may wait, but your plan review process will not begin without them submitted.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email

Paper Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • Not the owner?
  • A residential builder's license issued by the State of Michigan is needed
  • Or a written authorization from a license holder is needed 

Step 2.Plans 

Plans need to show:

  • Location
  • Size
  • Detail of the proposed project 

Step 3.Calculate the value of improvements

Include these costs to determine the value of improvements you'll make for this project:

  • Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading and other costs
  • Construction labor costs

Not needed:

  • Architectural fees, cost of lot, landscaping and/or personal property

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 5.Complete the application

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 6.Attach electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for building permit applications. You can either submit plans to us on a USB flash drive or upload them through ePlan Room after your permit application has been processed.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email

Phone

Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your Residential Building Permit. We don't take applications over the phone, but we'll make sure you have everything you need to get your application approved.

In Person

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • Not the owner?
  • A residential builder's license issued by the State of Michigan is needed
  • Or a written authorization from a license holder is needed 

Step 2.Plans 

Plans need to show:

  • Location
  • Size
  • Detail of the proposed project 

Step 3.Calculate the value of improvements

Include these costs to determine the value of improvements you'll make for this project:

  • Building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading and other costs
  • Construction labor costs

Not needed:

  • Architectural fees, cost of lot, landscaping and/or personal property

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 5.Complete the application

You can download and print the application beforehand. Otherwise, we'll get you a copy when you come into our office.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 6.Attach electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for building permit applications. You can either submit plans to us on a USB flash drive or upload them through ePlan Room after your permit application has been processed.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email

 

Contact Us

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4 pm

 

Phone: 616-456-4100

 

Email: devcenter@grcity.us

 

Location:

Development Center

1120 Monroe Ave. NW, 3rd Floor

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

View Map

 

Related Links

Create a Citizen Access Account

 

Using ePlan Room

 

Schedule an Inspection

 

Current Building Inspections Fee Schedule

 

Estimate Fee Calculator 

 

Energy Code Worksheet

 

Zoning Information Attachment

 

Register your Residential Builder's License with the City

 

List of Registered/Licensed Contractors in the City of Grand Rapids

Back to top