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We strongly recommend that you meet with Planning staff for an informal review of your proposed project. The meeting is intended to determine what kind of zone change is needed, if other approvals are required, and to explain the process for a decision on the proposal. Find our contact information in the "Contact Us" panel at the right side of this page.
A zone change for a single parcel is known as "spot zoning" and is generally not legal in the State of Michigan. If you will not be proposing to change your property's zoning to the immediately adjacent zone, you'll probably need other adjacent property owners to sign on to have their properties rezoned as well.
It's always a good idea to meet with neighboring property owners and the local neighborhood and/or business association. Use this meeting to help neighbors understand what you're seeking and why, and hopefully to resolve any conflicts before your Planning Commission review. The Commission may table your request if you haven't reached out to the neighborhood.
When you submit your application, include the meeting's sign-in sheet. Make sure it has the date, time, and location of the meeting, and names and addresses of attendees.
Here are the documents you'll need to prepare before submitting your application:
Describe the Project
Explain Need for Zone Change
You'll need to explain the need for your requested Zone Change. Write a description of why the Zone Change is needed. Make sure you express how the proposed Zone District will meet the needs of the development.
Transit Oriented Development Transit – Oriented Development
Plan Submittals
We need copies of your plan submittal:
Legal Description
We'll need a legal description of your property in Word or text format.
You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
The application fees may change year to year - please bring a blank check to our office for payment. Make your check payable to the City of Grand Rapids.
Application fees vary based on the below zone changes:
Download and complete the below form. Make sure to include all other required documents with your application. Make sure to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.
Download and complete the below form. Make sure to include all other required documents with your application. Make sure to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.
Visit us at the address listed in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll help you get everything you need to complete the application. We'll have paper copies available, but you can print the below form before you arrive.
Keep in mind that you need to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.
We'll review and submit your application to the Planning Commission. We may contact you with questions or ask for more information.
After staff review, your application is forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. You'll get a notice of the public hearing 15 days before the Planning Commission meeting.
Here's what to expect at the public hearing:
We'll send you a letter and resolution to let you know the City Commission's decision.
Contact Us
Phone 616.456.4100
Email planning@grcity.us
Location 1120 Monroe Ave NW
Hours Mon-Fri from 7:30am - 4pm
Online Information
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