Community Engagement

Better Neighborhood Engagement & Development Information

We've modified our public notice postcards and put information and all application attachments online for the Planning Commission (PC), Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). We're also working with groups such as the Urban Core Collective, Sidewalk Detroit, and several neighborhood associations to improve our engagement practices. One particular advancement is the "Development with Us" program, which we created to help better get out the word about proposed development projects. Take a look at the next tab over for more information.

Programs & Events

Development with Us

Projects associated with this program use a third-party facilitator to engage with neighbors, developers, and City staff. 

Community Master Plan

The 2025 Community Master Plan: Bridge to Our Future is finally here! This document will steer goals and objectives aligned with neighborhood input.

Ways to Get Involved

Boards and Commissions

These quasi-judicial Boards or Commissions review different cases to waive or reduce or require components of the Zoning Ordinance to projects proposals. Public hearings are almost always required.

Agency Counter

Agency Counter (formerly Building Eye) displays all open and closed Building Permits and Zoning Permits in the city. Follow this link to be directed to the mapping platform and to reference the helpful key that displays upon opening the page.

External web link - https://grandrapids.agencycounter.us/records

Neighborhood Associations Map

Neighborhood Associations

The Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University's Community Research Institute (CRI) keeps a map showing Grand Rapids' neighborhood associations. CRI also has useful neighborhood data and statistics.

Once you get to the page, select Grand Rapids Neighborhood Associations or Grand Rapids Neighborhoods from the Find by geography type menu.

Building Eye

Building Eye (Permits Map)

External web link - https://grandrapids.buildingeye.com/planning