Apply for a Land Use (LUDS) Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our LUDS permit applications and electronic plan submission. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Find out if you need a LUDS permit

You can look at the detailed LUDS application instructions if you need to. In most cases you'll need a LUDS permit for these types of projects:

• New multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Additions to multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Major site work, including parking lots
• New buildings and additions (including single-family residential) located within 500 feet of a body of water or wetland
• Other projects as required by Chapter 67 of the Grand Rapids City Code

Step 3.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about about 30 minutes once you've gathered the required information identified in the steps below.

Apply online

Login to Citizen Access and choose the Land Use (LUDS) Applications category using the link below. Choose the type of LUDS application you need from these categories in Citizen Access:

• Building or Parking Lot
• Planning/Zoning Only
• Soil Erosion Control in Right-of-Way
• Soil Erosion Control Only

Apply online for a LUDS permit

Step 4.Upload your plans through ePlan Room

After submitting your permit application, you'll be prompted to upload plans. If you're not ready to upload plans, you can always log into Citizen Access and do this step later. Please note that the plan review process won't begin until plans are submitted!  

Learn more about using ePlan Room

Step 5.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 6.Pay your permit fee

When approved, we'll send a permit document to be signed by the owner. We'll include a statement of the fee amount due.

Login to Citizen Access, upload the signed permit document, and pay your fee through Citizen Access. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for online payments.

Step 1.Find out if you need a LUDS permit

You can look at the detailed LUDS application instructions if you need to. In most cases you'll need a LUDS permit for these types of projects:

• New multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Additions to multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Major site work, including parking lots
• New buildings and additions (including single-family residential) located within 500 feet of a body of water or wetland
• Other projects as required by Chapter 67 of the Grand Rapids City Code

Step 2.Director Review

Your project may be eligible for streamlined processing through Planning Director Review. Check if your project meets the requirements:

• Previous approval from the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals or City Commission
• Director Review uses. Scroll down to the table in Article 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to see if your project requires Director Review
• Director Review Permitted uses  in Article 7 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Minor changes to an existing Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) or Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Your project isn't eligible if it's construction, alterations or improvements to 1-family and 2-family projects. These are handled as Counter Reviews. 

Unsure about eligibility? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. If your project meets the above requirements, complete the Director Review form here.

Step 3.Complete the application

Download, print, and fill out the application.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 4.Attach electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for LUDS permit applications - preferably on a USB flash drive.

Step 5.Mail or bring your completed application to our office

We accept LUDS permit applications by mail or in person. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. We don't accept emailed or faxed applications.

Step 6.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of a mailed application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 7.Pay your permit fee

When approved, we'll send you a permit document to be signed by the owner. We'll include a statement of the fee amount due.

Return the signed permit document along with your fee payment. For mailed payment, we accept check or money order. For in person payment, we accept cash, check or money order, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Step 1.Find out if you need a LUDS permit

You can look at the detailed LUDS application instructions if you need to. In most cases you'll need a LUDS permit for these types of projects:

• New multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Additions to multi-family, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings
• Major site work, including parking lots
• New buildings and additions (including single-family residential) located within 500 feet of a body of water or wetland
• Other projects as required by Chapter 67 of the Grand Rapids City Code

Step 2.Director Review

Your project may be eligible for streamlined processing through Planning Director Review. Check if your project meets the requirements:

• Previous approval from the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals or City Commission
• Director Review uses. Scroll down to the table in Article 9 of the Zoning Ordinance to see if your project requires Director Review
• Director Review Permitted uses  in Article 7 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Minor changes to an existing Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) or Planned Unit Development (PUD)

Your project isn't eligible if it's construction, alterations or improvements to 1-family and 2-family projects. These are handled as Counter Reviews. 

Unsure about eligibility? Give us a call at the number listed in the Contact Us section. If your project meets the above requirements, complete the Director Review form here.

Step 3.Bring electronic copies of your plans

We need copies of your plans in an electronic format for LUDS permit applications - preferably on a USB flash drive. 

Step 4.Come to our office and fill out an application

You'll find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

You can download and print the application beforehand if you want. Otherwise, we'll get you a copy when you come in.

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 5.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 6.Pay your permit fee

When approved, we'll send you a permit document to be signed by the owner. We'll include a statement of the fee amount due.

Return the signed permit document along with your fee payment. For mailed payment, we accept check or money order. For in person payment, we accept cash, check or money order, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.