City of Grand Rapids

Planning Department

About Us

We help guide public and private development efforts. We're committed to protecting public health, safety and welfare and carry out our responsibilities under the direction of the City Commission, three appointed boards and commissions and the City's Community Master Plan while keeping the public interest at the forefront. See our Recent Updates and FAQs sections below for additional information about the latest updates and zoning reform.

Community Master Plan

The Grand Rapids Community Master Plan, titled "Bridge to Our Future," outlines a vision for the city's growth and development over the next 20 years and addresses land use concepts related to equity, housing, sustainability, and economic development.

Zoning Ordinance

Grand Rapids is split into zone districts such as residential, commercial, and industrial. The Zoning Ordinance is the set of laws we have for these zones. We review land uses based on the location and other factors. The intent of zoning is to keep our neighborhoods and businesses strong.

Plans

Area Specific Plans, Vital Streets, GR Forward, Sustainability, and Age Friendly Plans.

Maps

Interactive maps, neighborhood organizations, bus routes, zone district maps, and more.

Boards & Commission

Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Historic Preservation Commission.

Community Engagement

Development With Us (DWUs) meetings, new development in your neighborhood, approved projects in the city, etc.

Zoning Complaint

Submit zoning related complaints.

Permits & Applications

Information regarding all Planning permits (residential & commercial) as well as Planning Applications.

Recent Updates

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), City Housing Policy Amendments, etc.

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about permits, zoning ordinance amendments, etc.

Community Master Plan

A Community Master Plan is the blueprint for how a community grows and develops, and it is a statement of the community's character and defines a long-range vision for the desired future physical development of the community for the next 20 years.

Development with Us

Development with Us (DwUs) is a program designed to facilitate meaningful engagement between residents, neighborhood associations, and developers.

Permit-Ready Plans Program

This program is intended to provide new and emerging developers with permit-ready pre-reviewed housing plans for single-, two-, and multi-family housing. Visit the link below to read more about this program and to review housing plan options.

Redevelopment Ready Communities

On May 21, 2018, we became the 21st community in Michigan to become RRC certified! Redevelopment Ready Communities® (RRC) is a certification program supporting community revitalization and the attraction and retention of businesses, entrepreneurs and talent throughout Michigan.