Apply for a Hotel or Motel License

Step 1.Check your eligibility

To get a Hotel/Motel License, make sure you don't owe money to the City and the property is properly zoned. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

Unsure if you owe?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415
• Check if the property is properly zoned. Call the Planning Department at 616-456-4100

Check before submitting your application to avoid long delays in processing your license.

Step 2.Gather your information

The following information for ALL owners, partners or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We also have resources to help you prepare your application:

• Hotel and Motel License Checklist(PDF, 175KB)
• Hotel and Motel License Ordinance

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $718 application fee for new licenses. The fee for renewal applications is $160. Application fees are non-refundable.

Step 4.Complete the online application

We use a third party system called Citizen Access for business license applications. If this is your first time using this system, it's a good idea to learn How to Create a Citizen Access Account.

Your application might take some time. That's why we recommend that you gather all the required information first.

Apply in English

Step 5.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

To get a Hotel/Motel License, make sure you don't owe money to the City and the property is properly zoned. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415
• Check if the property is properly zoned. Call the Planning Department at 616-456-4100

Check before submitting your application to avoid long delays in processing your license.

Step 2.Gather your information

The following information for ALL owners, partners or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We also have resources to help you prepare your application:

• Hotel and Motel License Checklist(PDF, 175KB)
• Hotel and Motel License Ordinance

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $718 application fee for new licenses. Renewals cost $160. Application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

MAILED PAYMENTS

• Check
• Money order

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 4.Download the application

Fill out the PDF application and return it to us by mail or in person.

Download Application in English

Step 5.Mail or drop off your completed application

Make sure you have the appropriate payment ready. Refer to step 3 for accepted payment methods.

Step 6.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 7.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.

Step 1.Make sure we're open

Our office hours are 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We are out of the office on public holidays.

Step 2.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you all the information you need to apply for your business license.

Step 1.Check your eligibility

To get a Hotel/Motel License, make sure you don't owe money to the City and the property is properly zoned. We're unable to issue you a business license if you don't meet these requirements.

UNSURE IF YOU OWE?

• Check if you owe court fees, property taxes or parking tickets. Call the Treasurer's Office at 616-456-3020
• Check if you owe taxes to the City. Call the Income Tax Department at 616-456-3415
• Check if the property is properly zoned.  Call the Planning Department at 616-456-4100

Check before submitting your application to avoid long delays in processing your license.

Step 2.Gather your information

The following information for ALL owners, partners or corporate officers:

• Name
• Address
• Last 4 digits of Social Security number
• Driver's license or State ID number
• Date of birth
• E-mail address

Have questions? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page. There are many things that you need to do to apply for the license. We also have resources to help you prepare your application:

• Hotel and Motel License Checklist(PDF, 175KB)
• Hotel and Motel License Ordinance

Step 3.Have your payment ready

There is a $718 application fee for new licenses. Renewals cost $160. Application fees are non-refundable. Here's a look at our accepted payment methods:

IN PERSON PAYMENTS

• Cash
• Check
• Money order
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Discover, or MasterCard)

Step 4.Visit our office to apply

Visit us on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Our address is in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll get you an application and answer all of your questions about the process. Make sure you have your payment ready. You can see our accepted payment methods in step 3 above.

Step 5.We’ll review your application

It takes us 5-10 business days to process applications. Keep in mind that it may take longer to process your application if we find that you need to make changes. We’ll call or email you to let you know that your permit is ready. You can either pick it up from the office or we’ll mail it to you.

Make sure to keep a copy of your license displayed on the property where all customers can see.

Step 6.Renew your license

All licenses are good for one year from when they are issued. Make sure to note your expiration date so you renew your license on time next year.