Apply for a New Sidewalk Builder's License

Are you a registered contractor and need to do work in the City Right-of-Way but don't have a Sidewalk Builder's License or it has been over 5 years since you renewed your license? You will need to take and pass a written exam.  We'll guide you through the license application process below, licenses can take 1-3 weeks to issue.

1) Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way:

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • ADA ramps
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

2) Take written exam

Are you a first time applicant or has it been over 5 years since you renewed your license? You will first need to schedule a written exam. These can be scheduled between 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. To schedule your written exam please email sidewalk@grcity.us

 3) Gather your information

Once you pass the exam, you will need to provide us with the following:

  • Completed License application form.
  • Three references from past concrete work
  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability
  • $100 license fee payment (cash or check made out to City of Grand Rapids)

4) Create a Citizen Access Account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our sidewalk permits and license renewal applications. If you will be wanting to apply for sidewalk permits online after you have been issued a license, you will need a Citizen Access account if you don't already have one. If you have never used Citizen Access and would like to create an account, we recommend that you review how to create an account.

Schedule exam for Sidewalk Builder's License by email or phone

There currently is not a paper form to schedule your exam for Sidewalk Builder's License. You must schedule an appointment by email at sidewalks@grcity.us or by phone at 311 or 616-456-3000 to take the exam.

1) Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way :

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

2) Take written exam

Are you a first time applicant or has it been over 5 years since you renewed your license? You will first need to schedule a written exam. These can be scheduled between 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Call us at 311 or 616-456-3000 to schedule your written exam.

3) Gather your information

Once you pass the exam, you will need to provide us with the following:

  • Completed License application form
  • Three references from past concrete work
  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability
  • $100 license fee payment (cash or check made out to City of Grand Rapids)

Schedule exam for Sidewalk Builder's License by email or phone

We currently do not accept unscheduled walk-ins for taking the Sidewalk Builder's License exam. You must schedule an appointment by email at sidewalks@grcity.us or by phone at 311 or 616-456-3000 to take the exam.

Contact Us

Phone
311 or 616-456-3000
Fax
616-456-3828
Email
sidewalks@grcity.us
Location
City of Grand Rapids Engineering/Sidewalk Division
300 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids
49503

View Map

Create a Citizen Access account

Are you a Grand Rapids licensed sidewalk contractor and ready to apply for a sidewalk/drive approach permit? Take the first step and sign up for a Citizen Access account.

Create a Citizen Access Account

Find a Licensed Sidewalk Builder

Are you looking for a licensed contractor who is authorized to work in the City's right-of-way and apply for permits for sidewalks, driveway approaches, curb and/or gutter?

Approved Contractors