Is someone using a property in a way that doesn't match the neighborhood? Our zoning ordinance protects the quality of your neighborhoods and business districts. You’re in the right place to report the suspected zoning violation.
This form will take about 5 minutes to complete. You'll be able to save your entry and resume later if you need more time.
We use a third party application called Citizen Access to receive complaints about zoning violations. You can submit a complaint anonymously without logging in, or create an account and log in first to make it easier for you to track the status of the complaint over time.
Haven't used Citizen Access before? Make sure to review how to create an account before starting.
After following the link below, you'll agree to the disclaimer. Select exterior from the drop down as Zoning violations are considered exterior violations. All you’ll need is the property address and a description of your complaint.
Submit a Zoning Complaint in English
We'll start a case after we review and accept your complaint. Then we send a letter to the owner for complaints we enforce. We give the owner up to 21 days to correct non-hazardous issues. Our inspectors follow up with an on-site inspection. If timely corrections aren't completed, the process continues. If the complaint is a hazard, our inspectors inspect the condition as soon as possible. You can track this online through Citizen Access.
Check out our enforcement process(PDF, 313KB) for more details.
Want to see what's happening with the complaint you filed? Visit the Citizen Access website:
There's currently no printed version of this form. To file a complaint about a zoning violation, click the other tabs for online, phone and in person options.
Decide which option works best for you and click the corresponding tab for more instructions. Have questions? Give us a call at the phone number listed in the Contact Us section of this page.
Our zoning ordinance protects the quality your neighborhood and business district. If your neighborhood consists of homes, it's likely zoned for residential use.
The following are examples of common violations:
Repairing vehicles not owned by resident
Commercial or industrial use of a residential building unless approved by Planning Commission
Regular parking of large commercial vehicles outside an enclosed building
Fence constructed without a permit
Storing a boat and/or boat trailer, motor home, recreational or similar vehicles in a way that isn't allowed
Not sure if it's a violation? Check out the Zoning Ordinance or use the information in the Contact Us section of this page to reach out to us.
Together, you and your neighbors form a strong community. Working together to resolve an issue can create a stronger block and neighborhood. We’ve put together optional first steps before filing a complaint with us.
Try talking with the property owner. If you need help finding the owner of a property, contact the City Assessors' Office online or at (616) 456-3081
If the property owner needs help, refer them to the Planning Department at (616) 456-4100
Contact your Neighborhood Association to see if they're able to help the owner
Call us at the number listed in the Contact Us section of this page to file your complaint.
To file a complaint in person, visit Code Compliance at the address listed in the Contact Us section of this page. We're open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except public holidays.
Create a Citizen Access Account
Housing and Zoning Fee Schedule(PDF, 322KB)
Nuisance Fee Schedule(PDF, 112KB)
Enforcement Process(PDF, 313KB)
Address Identification
Animals (Backyard Chickens)
Building Maintenance Code
Nuisance Code
Property Maintenance Code (Amendment Only)
Home Safety (Smoke Detectors)
Zoning Ordinance