Overview on Zoning and Permits for Home Renovation Projects
Are you looking to add on to your home? Thinking about adding a deck, pool, or shed to your backyard? Want to install drywall as part of remodeling a room or finishing a basement? Home renovations big and small often need a permit if you're adding or modifying walls, wiring, piping, ductwork or HVAC equipment. Permits are required for occupied structures, like homes, as well as unoccupied structures like garages and sheds.
In many cases, homeowners can perform the work themselves once they have the necessary permits. However, rules are stricter for landlords. If you're a landlord, in most cases you'll need to hire a licensed and registered contractor to get permits for your rental properties. For a list of all currently registered/licensed contractors in the City of Grand Rapids, click here.
Why you need permits
Without a permit and inspection, you run the risk of endangering yourself and others. You could also run into trouble later if a code violation is found or reported. Since permit and inspection records are available to the public, this can happen easily—especially during home sales. It's important to have a public record of additions and updates to your house. That way, you don't have to worry about expensive surprises during the home inspections process. Depending on the violation, you may have to absorb the cost of undoing or redoing work or pay a fine. Permits are generally easy to get, low-cost, and take a few minutes for many home projects.
Our guide for Home Renovation Projects will show you what permits you’ll need and how to apply for them. First off, we're going to need some information about your project. Let's get started!
When you'll need a permit
Before you start the renovation process, you'll need to ask yourself if you need a permit and if so, how many and for what? When you're renovating your home, you'll most likely need at least one of the following four permits. Take a look to see if your project might need one.
Building permits
The building permit is our most commonly required permit type. A building permit is required for any project that you're planning to change the structure of your house and for most new structures on your property. This could include adding drywall or taking out a wall. If you're only ripping up carpet, adding a tile backsplash, or painting a room, you don't need one. As a homeowner, you're able to do basic building projects in your home with a permit. Many projects that include an electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit will also require a building permit. For a list of current building inspections fees, click here.
Electrical permits
You'll need an electrical permit if you are altering, changing, or adding to the electrical equipment for your home. If it involves the electrical wires of your home, you'll need a permit. If you're only swapping out a fixture, you don't need one -- but be careful! As a homeowner, you're able to do any electrical work in your home with a permit. If you're a landlord, you'll need a licensed and registered electric contractor.
Mechanical permits
Mechanical work involves anything in your home associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and fire sprinkler systems. You'll need a mechanical permit for any changes or updates to water heaters, furnaces, boilers, exhaust fans, kitchen hoods, RTUs (roof top air handling units), or ERV (energy recovery ventilation units). You don't need one for installing or removing gas appliances (like stoves and dryers). As a homeowner, you're able to do any mechanical work in your home with a permit. If you're a landlord, you'll need a licensed and registered mechanical contractor.
Plumbing permits
If you're only replacing a faucet, sink, toilet, or similar fixture, a plumbing permit is not required. We require permits for any plumbing work beyond that. That includes adding lines and pipes in the walls and floors, adding or working on a water heater, or upgrading your water services. As a homeowner, you're able to do any plumbing work in your home with a permit. If you're a landlord, you'll need a licensed and registered plumbing contractor. Please keep in mind that you can't combine storm water and sanitary sewer systems. Also, any underground plumbing work outside the building footprint requires an inspection permit issued by the Water System. And only a City-licensed contractor can perform
Planning your project
Before we can issue a building permit, we need to see the plans for what you intend to build or change. Basically, all new construction and renovations made to an existing structure require a building permit. Most changes made to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems do, too, but a separate plan isn't usually required for those changes. If you're getting a permit, your work must also be inspected and approved.
Your plans—or blueprints—should describe the design, location, and physical characteristics of your project. These plans ensure that you're obeying current codes, and serve as a long-term record for your home. For homeowners, you can sketch a site plan on the optional site plan attachment with your application.
We've created a few planning guides for common project types:
- Residential Deck: If you're looking to add a deck to your property, you'll need a building permit. The typical permit fee for a residential deck is $86 (this includes the $23 zoning fee). See our full Guide for Residential Decks for more information. Apply for a Building Permit after you've read the guide and created your plan.
- Residential Garage: If you're looking to add a garage to your property, you'll need a building permit. A garage less than 200 square feet requires an Accessory Structure Zoning Permit. The fee for this is $23. A garage 200 square feet or larger requires a building permit. The typical permit fee for a residential garage is $75 for the first $1,000 of construction (this includes the $23 zoning fee), and $6.50 for each additional $1,000. You can use the
Building Permit Fee Calculatorto estimate your permit fees. See our full Guide for Residential Garages for more information. Apply for a Building Permit after you've read the guide and created your plan. - Basement Finish: If you're looking to add a basement to your building, you'll need a building permit. The typical permit fee for a basement finish is $75 for the first $1,000 of construction (this includes the $23 zoning fee), and $6.50 for each additional $1,000. You can use the
Building Permit Fee Calculatorto estimate your permit fees. See our full Guide for Basement Finish for more information. Apply for a Building Permit after you've read the guide. - Pool or Hot Tub: If you're looking to add a pool or hot tub (or any structure capable of reaching a depth of 24 inches of water or more) to your property, you'll need a building permit. For an above ground pool or hot tub, the typical permit fee is $86. For an in-ground pool, the typical permit fee is $75 for the first $1,000 of construction (this includes the $23 zoning fee), and $6.50 for each additional $1,000. See our full Guide for Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs for more information. Apply for a Building Permit after you've read the guide and created your plan.
Plan reviews
You'll submit your plans along with your building permit applications.
Online Applications
Our plan submission process is done online using ePlan Room. This electronic plan review application is integrated in Citizen Access. If you're submitting your permit application online, you'll be prompted to upload plans at the end of your application. If you're not ready to submit plans, you can always log into Citizen Access and do this later.
Paper Applications
If you're submitting a paper permit application form to the Dev Center, we still need electronic plans. Here are your options:
- Include your electronic plans on a USB flash drive
- Upload your plans to ePlan Room after we process your permit application
Plan Review Timeframe
If you apply in person at the Development Center, we will review your plans within a few minutes. If you apply online, we will review most plans within 3 business days. If we have questions or concerns about your plans we'll contact you and ask you to clarify or correct them before we issue a permit.
Application Status
You can see the status of your application at any time by looking up your project through Citizen Access. We will also send you, by email and/or U.S. Mail, a plan review letter at the conclusion of the initial review. When everything looks good, we'll issue your permit.
Permit applications
Once you’re ready to apply, create an online account through Citizen Access. Payment is typically required at time of application.
Keep in mind that the person who applies for the permit is held responsible for the work that is done. If you're hiring a contractor, the contractor should apply for the permit. Remember, if you're a landlord, a licensed and registered contractor must apply for most types of permits.
Apply for a permit
Once you've created your plan and looked through any relevant guides, you'll apply for a permit. Keep in mind that multiple permit types may be required for a single project. For example, a typical bathroom remodel requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits. With your plan in hand, we can guide you to which permits you'll need.
Click here for a full list of the permits you may need, depending on your project
Projects must begin within 6 months of receiving the permit. They're valid as long as the work is proceeding. If the work is halted or abandoned for a period of 6 months or more, the permit is invalid. Extensions may be granted under certain circumstances. If you suspect you’ll need an extension, submit a written request before your permit’s expiration.
Inspections
Some projects (like a remodel or a residential deck) require periodic inspections throughout the renovation process. For example, a remodel project must be inspected before drywall is installed over insulation, wiring or piping. Post holes for deck footings must be inspected before concrete is poured. If in doubt, contact the Development Center before covering any uninspected work to ask if an inspection is required first. Make sure you're clear when inspections are conducted for each type of permit. After you've completed the work, you’ll need to schedule a final inspection.
These inspections must be performed by the City (unlike the inspector you used when you bought or sold your house). Building and trade inspections can all be scheduled online through Citizen Access, our online permit portal. You can also call 311, the City’s Customer Service Center. If calling from outside of the city limits, please dial 616-456-4100 (Option 1). Click here to learn more about scheduling inspections.
Once your project has been completed and approved, you're all set. Congratulations on your project—we can't wait to see what you do next!
Contact Us
Phone
616-456-4100
Fax
616-456-4088
Email
devcenter@grcity.us
Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:30AM - 4PM
Location
Development Center
1120 Monroe Ave. NW, 3rd Floor
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
