Apply for a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit

Are you a licensed Sidewalk contractor and need to work in the City's Right-of-Way? You'll need to obtain a permit to build, rebuild, remove, or repair any sidewalk, driveway approach, areaway, snow melt, retaining wall, curb, curb and gutter, or any other work that will be done in the City Right-of-Way.

Right-of-Way/Sidewalk permits are valid for 60 days from date of issuance. Extensions may be granted under certain circumstances.

Online Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

You must have a valid Sidewalk Builder's License issued by the City of Grand Rapids to obtain a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit. If you're not currently licensed, visit our website here to find out more information on how to apply for your license. If you are currently licensed, you may proceed with the following instructions.

Step 2.Create a Citizen Access Account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our permits and licensing applications If you will be applying online for your permit, you will need a Citizen Access account if you don't already have one. If you won't be applying online, please follow the instructions for applying "In Person". If you've never used Citizen Access and would like to create an account, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 3.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 20 minutes once you have gathered your information. You'll be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 4.Plan your project

If your project includes any of the following items listed below, a driveway, an encroachment, or a LUDS permit may also be required. If you're unsure, call the Development Center at (616) 456-4100.

  • New approach
  • New driveway
  • New curb cut
  • New curb and gutter
  • New snowmelt system
  • Areaway

Step 5.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit fees are as follows:

$175 - Commercial

$175 - Residential with 3+ units

$75 - Residential with 1-2 units - under 200 square feet of concrete work

$175 - Residential with 1-2 units - over 200 square feet of concrete work

Step 6.Log into Citizen Access

Please click the button below to navigate to the Citizen Access login screen. If you do not have a Citizen Access account already, please see step 2 of this page for instructions on how to create an account.

Apply Online in English 

Step 7.Apply online

After logging in, click the 'Permits' tab at the top of the page and click 'Create an Application' to open all of the permit application types available. If you do not see 'Sidewalk Applications' from the applications list, please contact the Sidewalk Department. See the Contact Us section on the right side of this page for contact information.

Step 8.We'll review your application

We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application within 1 business day. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information. When approved, we will send you your permit by email within 1-4 business days.

Paper Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

You must have a valid Sidewalk Builder's License issued by the City of Grand Rapids to obtain a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit. If you’re not currently licensed, visit our website here to find out more information on how to apply for your license. If you are currently licensed, you may proceed with the following instructions.

Step 2.Plan your project

If your project includes any of the following items listed below, a driveway, an encroachment, or a LUDS permit may also be required. If you are unsure, call the Development Center at (616) 456-4100.

  • New approach
  • New driveway
  • New curb cut
  • New curb and gutter
  • New snowmelt system
  • Areaway

Step 3.Have your payment ready

For in person payments, we accept cash, check, or money order. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit fees are as follows:

$175 - Commercial

$175 - Residential with 3+ units

$75 - Residential with 1-2 units - under 200 square feet of concrete work

$175 - Residential with 1-2 units - over 200 square feet of concrete work

Step 4.Complete the application

Download, print, and fill out the application.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 5.Bring your completed application to our office

Visit us to complete your application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

Phone

Call us for instructions to apply

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 a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit. We don't offer applications over the phone, but we'll make sure you have everything you need to get your application started. NOTE: You must have a valid Grand Rapids Sidewalk Builder's License to apply for a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit.

In Person

Step 1.Review the requirements

You must have a valid Sidewalk Builder's License issued by the City of Grand Rapids to obtain a Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit. If you’re not currently licensed, please visit our website here to find out more information on how to apply for your license. If you are currently licensed, you may proceed with the following instructions.

Step 2.Plan your project

If your project includes any of the following items listed below, a driveway, an encroachment, or a LUDS permit may also be required. If you are unsure, please call the Development Center at (616) 456-4100.

  • New approach
  • New driveway
  • New curb cut
  • New curb and gutter
  • New snowmelt system
  • Areaway

Step 3.Have your payment ready

For in person payments, we accept cash, check, or money order. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Right-of-Way/Sidewalk Permit fees are as follows:

$175 - Commercial

$175 - Residential with 3+ units

$75 - Residential with 1-2 units - under 200 square feet of concrete work

$175 - Residential with 1-2 units - over 200 square feet of concrete work

Step 4.Complete the application

Download, print, and fill out the application.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 5.Bring your completed application to our office

Visit us to complete your application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.