Apply for a Change of Use Permit

If you are planning to change the use of a building/property without construction, you will need to apply for a building permit.

A permit ensures the work meets our community's standards as defined in the Michigan residential building code and the City of Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance.

Online Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • To apply, you must be the owner and occupant or a business
  • A written authorization from a license holder may be needed for residential uses

Step 2.Plans

Uploaded plans are required.

Plans need to show:

  • Interior
    • Floor plan
    • Framing details
  • Below items also may be needed upon further review, in addition to the above requirements
    • Property survey
    • Existing site plan
    • Proposed site plan
    • Elevations
    • Cross sections

Step 3.Application information

The application will ask you to provide the below information:

  • Current and proposed uses (i.e. single-family residential, duplex residential, office, retail, restaurant, industrial, etc.)
  • Date of occupancy
  • Height of building, # of stories, footprint of first floor (sq. feet)
  • # of buildings included
  • # of residential and commercial units that exist/will exist

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 5.Apply online

Apply Online in English

Step 6.Upload plans through ePlan Room

After submitting your permit application, you will need to upload your plans. You may wait, but your plan review process will not begin without them submitted. You will need to submit your electronic plans in PDF format and signed and sealed by an architect/engineer.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email

Paper Form

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • To apply, you must be the owner and occupant or a business
  • A written authorization from a license holder may be needed for residential uses

Step 2.Plans

Uploaded plans are required.

Plans need to show:

  • Interior
    • Floor plan
    • Framing details
  • Below items also may be needed upon further review, in addition to the above requirements
    • Property survey
    • Existing site plan
    • Proposed site plan
    • Elevations
    • Cross sections

Step 3.Application information

The application will ask you to provide the below information:

  • Current and proposed uses (i.e. single-family residential, duplex residential, office, retail, restaurant, industrial, etc.)
  • Date of occupancy
  • Height of building, # of stories, footprint of first floor (sq. feet)
  • # of buildings included
  • # of residential and commercial units that exist/will exist

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 6.Attach electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for building permit applications. You can either submit plans to us on a USB flash drive or upload them through ePlan Room after your permit application has been processed. You will need to submit your electronic plans in PDF format and signed and sealed by an architect/engineer.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email

Phone

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 Change of Use Permit. We don't take applications over the phone, but we'll make sure you have everything you need to get your application approved.

In Person

Step 1.Review the requirements

  • To apply, you must be the owner and occupant or a business
  • A written authorization from a license holder may be needed for residential uses

Step 2.Plans

Uploaded plans are required.

Plans need to show:

  • Interior
    • Floor plan
    • Framing details
  • Below items also may be needed upon further review, in addition to the above requirements
    • Property survey
    • Existing site plan
    • Proposed site plan
    • Elevations
    • Cross sections

Step 3.Application information

The application will ask you to provide the below information:

  • Current and proposed uses (i.e. single-family residential, duplex residential, office, retail, restaurant, industrial, etc.)
  • Date of occupancy
  • Height of building, # of stories, footprint of first floor (sq. feet)
  • # of buildings included
  • # of residential and commercial units that exist/will exist

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready  

Step 6.Attach electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for building permit applications. You can either submit plans to us on a USB flash drive or upload them through ePlan Room after your permit application has been processed. You will need to submit your electronic plans in PDF format and signed and sealed by an architect/engineer.

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 7.Review

Expect an email from us confirming receipt of your application.

  • Revisions may be needed if anything is missing or incorrect
  • When approved, we'll send your permit by email