Background
In the spring of 2023, an update to the 2020 Housing Needs Assessment was presented by the City’s Housing Practice Leader, Ryan Kilpatrick of Housing Next. The update determined that by 2027, approximately 34,700 dwelling units are needed countywide, with 14,106 of the units in the City of Grand Rapids, to accommodate household growth and older home replacement. In response to the Assessment, the City Commission expressed a desire to evaluate the City’s housing policies and requested that the Planning Commission provide them with recommendations.
To ensure general alignment on potential zoning changes, a joint Planning Commission/City Commission meeting was held on July 13, 2023. During the meeting, the Planning Director facilitated a discussion around five categories identified by staff as starting points for consideration. These categories were chosen because of past planning work (i.e. Great Housing Strategies and Housing NOW!), current planning work (update to the 2002 Community Master Plan) and State and National zoning reform work. These five categories included Accessory Dwelling Units, Unrelated Occupants, Group Living Uses, Small Scale Residential Infill/Missing Middle Housing Types and Parking Requirements. Both Commissions generally agreed that zoning amendments pertaining to the five categories held the potential to increase housing supply, diversify housing types, and increase housing affordability.
April 9, 2024 Housing Policy Discussion
March 19, 2024 City Commission Public Hearing
January 25, 2024 Housing Policy Discussion
July 13, 2023 Housing Policy Discussion
July 11, 2023 Housing Policy Discussion