Renewing your Sidewalk Builder's License

Need to do work in the Right-of-Way and it has been less than 5 years since your Grand Rapids Sidewalk Builder's License has expired?  We'll guide you through the license renewal process.

Online Form

Step 1.Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way :

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • ADA ramps
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

Step 2.Gather your information

Are you a returning applicant? Provide us with the following information to renew your license.

  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond- mail or email an updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability - mail or email an updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • License fee payment - All licenses expire December 31st
    • $70.00 if your license is current
    • $87.50 if your license is expired less than 31 days
    • $100.00 if your license is expired more than 31 days

Step 3.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the license fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. 

Step 4.Apply online

Once you are ready, follow the link below to log in to Citizen Access account and renew your license. If you don't have an account yet see "Create a Citizen Access Account" on this page. If you have never had a license or if it has been over 5 years since it expired see "Apply for a New Sidewalk Builder's License"

Renew License Online

Step 5.We'll review your renewal application

You can expect to hear back from us within 10 business days. Keep in mind that your license renewal can take longer if we notice any missing information, or your insurance and/or bond has expired.

Paper Form

Step 1.Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way :

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • ADA ramps
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

Step 2.Gather your information 

Are you a returning applicant? Provide us with the following information to renew your license.

  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond - mail or email an updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability - mail or email updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • License fee payment - Licenses expire December 31st
    • $70.00 if your license is current
    • $87.50 if your license is expired less than 31 days
    • $100.00 if your license is expired more than 31 days

Step 3.Have your payment ready

Be prepared to pay the license fee. For mail in renewals, we accept checks made out to City of Grand Rapids. 

Step 4.Complete the Sidewalk Builder's License Renewal Form

Download the renewal form and print. If you have never had a license or if it has been over 5 years since it expired see "Apply for a New Sidewalk Builder's License".

Download License Renewal Form

Don't have a printer? Don't worry! You can complete the renewal form in our office. We're located at the address listed in the Contact Us section.

Step 5.Mail your application

Mail your application to us along with license fee at the address listed in the Contact Us section.

Step 6.We'll review your renewal application

You can expect to hear back from us within 10 business days. Keep in mind that your license renewal can take longer if we notice any missing information or your insurance and/or bond has expired.

Phone

Step 1.Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way :

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • ADA ramps
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

Step 2.Gather your information

Are you a returning applicant? Provide us with the following information to renew your license.

  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond - mail or email an updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability - mail or email an updated copy to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • License fee payment - Licenses expire December 31st
    • $70.00 if your license is current
    • $87.50 if your license expired less than 31 days
    • $100.00 if your license expired more than 31 days

Step 3.Call us for instructions

You can find our number in the "Contact Us" section of this page. We don't renew Sidewalk Builder's licenses over the phone, but we'll get you all the information you need to renew your Sidewalk Builder's License.

In Person

Step 1.Determine if you need a license

This license will allow you to do the following work in the Right-of-Way :

  • Sidewalk
  • Driveway Approach
  • Retaining Wall
  • Curb or curb and gutter
  • ADA ramp
  • Areaway construction or repair
  • Any other work that will be in the right-of-way

Step 2.Gather your information

Are you a returning applicant? Provide us with the following information to renew your license.

  • A current $10,000 Surety Bond- email to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • A current Certificate of Liability Insurance. Certificate must include the City of Grand Rapids as additional insured and insures against liability - email to sidewalks@grcity.us
  • License fee payment - Licenses expire every year on December 31st
    • $70.00 if your license is current
    • $87.50 if your license is expired less than 31 days
    • $100.00 if your license is expired more than 31 days

Step 3.Have your payment ready

Be prepared to pay the license fee. In person, we accept cash or checks made out to City of Grand Rapids.

Step 4.Complete the Sidewalk Builder's License Renewal Form

Download the renewal form and print.

Download License Renewal Form

Don't have a printer? Don't worry! You can complete the renewal form in our office. We're located at the address listed in the Contact Us section.

Step 5.Visit our office

Schedule an appointment to visit our office with the required documents listed above. See contact us section for phone number or email us at sidewalks@grcity.us. Our office hours are 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM.

Step 6.We'll review your application

You can expect to hear back from us within 10 business days. Keep in mind that your license renewal can take longer if we notice any missing information or your insurance and/or bond has expired.