FAQs
What does the Planning Department do?
The Planning Department is responsible for guiding both public and private development by administering the Zoning Ordinance. We review project plans of all kinds, from fences to industrial parks, to condo towers and amphitheaters. To do this, we meet with property owners, developers, non-profits, and private businesses to ensure everyone is considered in the design and use of space. When guiding large-scale commercial projects, we facilitate engagement between developers and neighbors, and incorporate resident feedback into our review process.
We also work with other City departments, Neighborhood Associations, Business Associations, and community and advocacy groups to support local businesses, enhance neighborhoods, protect the environment, coordinate development, and improve quality of life for all Grand Rapidians.
The Planning Department is the primary office responsible for managing the review and revision of the Community Master Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. We are directed by the City Commission and oversee the Planning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Historic Preservation Commission.
What is the Zoning Ordinance and where can I find it?
A zoning ordinance is a local law that divides land into zones, or "districts", and regulates the permitted uses and development standards for each area. Our Zoning Ordinance also contains regulations about other aspects of the built environment, like roads, landscaping, and signs. Most of the City's current Zoning Ordinance was written in 2006 and has been incrementally amended almost every year since. The City is currently updating the Zoning Ordinance to better align with our Community Master Plan, which was adopted by the City Commission in 2024.
Explore the Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance
Learn more about the ZoneGR Zoning Ordinance update
Learn more about the Community Master Plan
Where is the Planning Department located?
Our office is on the third floor of the Development Center at 1120 Monroe Avenue NW (NOT City Hall). We are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can also contact us by calling (616) 456-4100 or emailing planning@grcity.us.
How is my property zoned?
The Zoning Ordinance includes an official zoning map that assigns a Zone District to every parcel in the city. Click the links below to explore zoning or other aspects of a property you're interested in. If you're still unsure, or would like a staff member to confirm a property's Zone District designation, reach out to our office at (616) 456-4100 or planning@grcity.us.
Explore the interactive Public Planning Map portal
Download the Zoning Overview Map (PDF)
Download a set of detailed Zoning Maps that zoom in on different parts of the city (PDF)
What is the Permit-Ready Plans Program?
Inspired by the mail-order homes of the early- to mid-20th-century, the Permit-Ready Plans Program and similar programs have been adopted across the state and country to address urgent housing demand. The Program cuts planning and timeline costs associated with the construction of single-, two-, and multi-family housing by providing residents and developers with pre-approved building plans. Visit the link below to read more about this program and to review housing plan options.
Learn more about the Permit-Ready Plans Program
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An ADU is an additional residential unit that occupies the same property as a primary single- or two-family residential use. ADUs may be attached to the primary home or in a separate building on the same lot. In February 2025, the Grand Rapids City Commission created the ADU Taskforce, a group of city officials and private actors charged with identifying opportunities for the City to make building these additional housing units easier. As a result of the Taskforce’s recommendations, the City adopted new ADU rules in June 2026 to allow for larger, more flexible ADUs. We are also working with architects to add ADU plans to our Permit-Ready Plans Program.
Zoning Ordinance Section 5.9.03. - ADUs
FAQs - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
ADU Sewer & Water Service Connections
How do I know whether there is new development proposed in my neighborhood?
Residents within 300 feet of a project that requires a public hearing and consideration by the Planning Commission (e.g. multi-family residential development in a low-density residential zone district, retail uses that sell alcohol for off-site consumption, etc.) are notified two weeks before the public meeting via postcard. We also post signs at each property on the Planning Commission agenda announcing the public hearing. If you don’t receive a postcard and don’t notice any signs, you can always check the Planning Commission agenda for addresses near you, and you can sign up for email updates.
Access Planning Commission agendas here
What is on the Planning Commission agenda?
The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month except November and December, when meetings are only held on the second Thursday due to the holidays. Property owners within 300 feet of a property that is due for review by the Planning Commission are notified about public hearing opportunities via postcard. For all Planning Commission cases, agendas are posted to our public platform about 2 weeks before each meeting.
Access Planning Commission agendas here
What are the current fees for permits and applications?
The City updates fees for permits and applications every fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30.
Download the FY2027 Fee Schedule Book
