An Optional Plan Review (OPR) may only be used in the following districts:
TN-CC City Center
TN-TCC Transitional City Center
SD-IC Institutional Campus
SD-PRD Planned Redevelopment District
OD-EBL East Beltline Overlay
OD-GR Grand River Overlay
You'll need to submit these for your application
- Two 11x17 hard copies
- One digital PDF copy (separate files for each drawing, plan or document
Prepare the following documents for your project
- Site Plans
- Building Elevations
- Floor Plans
- Plan submittals
Optional Plan Review (OPR) is used to request waivers of Site Layout, Building Placement or Building Element requirements. OPR is also used to request a Planned Sign Program. You'll need to be able to provide the following.
- Write a description of the specific requirements to be waived
- Describe the alternative design proposed
- Explain why your development cannot comply with the minimum standards of the Zone District
We recommend you have a pre-application meeting with Planning staff. This meeting helps ensure a smooth application process.
Meet with neighboring property owners, neighborhood associations, or business associations. Use this meeting to resolve any conflicts before your Planning Commission review. We may table your request if you don't hold a neighborhood meeting.
When you submit your application, include the meeting's sign-in sheet. Make sure it has the date, time, and location of the meeting.
As of July 1, 2017, the OPR application fee is $1,972. Make your check payable to the City of Grand Rapids.
Download and complete the below application. Keep in mind that you need to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. For a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates, click here.
Download the Application in English
Mail or drop off hard copies of your application, and include digital copies of all materials on a flash drive or CD, or send those by email. Our information is in the Contact Us section of this page. Make sure to include all required documents with your application.
We'll review your application and will reach out to you if we have questions or need more information. We'll then submit your application to the Planning Commission.
After staff review, your application is forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. We'll send you the notice of the public hearing 15 days before the Planning Commission meeting.
Here's what to expect at the public hearing:
- Staff will briefly present your request to the Planning Commission
- You'll then have an opportunity to briefly present your request
- The Planning Commission may ask you questions about your proposal
- The Planning Commission will allow public comment on your application. After public comment you will have a chance to address any public concern or questions
- The Planning Commission may recommend approval or denial, or table the application
Following the meeting, we'll send you a written confirmation and resolution describing the Planning Commission's decision.