Apply for a Zone Change

Step 1.Consult with us

We strongly recommend that you meet with Planning staff for an informal review of your proposed project. The meeting is intended to determine what kind of zone change is needed, if other approvals are required, and to explain the process for a decision on the proposal. Find our contact information in the "Contact Us" panel at the right side of this page.

Step 2.Check with adjacent property owners

A zone change for a single parcel is known as "spot zoning" and is generally not legal in the State of Michigan. If you will not be proposing to change your property's zoning to the immediately adjacent zone, you'll probably need other adjacent property owners to sign on to have their properties rezoned as well. 

Step 3.Meet with the neighbors

It's always a good idea to meet with neighboring property owners and the local neighborhood and/or business association. Use this meeting to help neighbors understand what you're seeking and why, and hopefully to resolve any conflicts before your Planning Commission review. The Commission may table your request if you haven't reached out to the neighborhood.

When you submit your application, include the meeting's sign-in sheet. Make sure it has the date, time, and location of the meeting, and names and addresses of attendees. 

Step 4.Prepare your documents

Here are the documents you'll need to prepare before submitting your application:

Describe the Project

• A description - location, size, current use, etc. - of the property/properties to be rezoned
• The current zoning of the properties
• The requested zoning of the properties
• The need for the zone change... see below

Plan Submittals 
We need copies of your plan submittal:

• Two 11x17 copies
• Digital copies of everything submitted in PDF format (separate files for each drawing, plan, or document)

Legal Description
We'll need a legal description of your property in Word or text format.

Step 5.Have your credit/debit card ready

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

The application fees may change year to year - please bring a blank check to our office for payment. Make your check payable to the City of Grand Rapids.

Application fees vary based on the below zone changes:

• Map Amendment
• Conditional Rezoning

Step 6.Apply Online

Download and complete the below form. Make sure to include all other required documents with your application. Make sure to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.

Apply Online

Step 7.We'll review your application

We'll review and submit your application to the Planning Commission. We may contact you with questions or ask for more information.

Step 8.Notice of Public Hearing

After staff review, your application is forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. You'll get a notice of the public hearing 15 days before the Planning Commission meeting.

Step 9.Present Your Request to the Planning Commission

Step 10.We'll notify you of City Commission's decision

We'll send you a letter and resolution to let you know the City Commission's decision.

Step 1.Consult with us

We strongly recommend that you meet with Planning staff for an informal review of your proposed project. The meeting is intended to determine what kind of zone change is needed, if other approvals are required, and to explain the process for a decision on the proposal. Find our contact information in the "Contact Us" panel at the right side of this page.

Step 2.Check with adjacent property owners

A zone change for a single parcel is known as "spot zoning" and is generally not legal in the State of Michigan. If you will not be proposing to change your property's zoning to the immediately adjacent zone, you'll probably need other adjacent property owners to sign on to have their properties rezoned as well. 

Step 3.Meet with the neighbors

It's always a good idea to meet with neighboring property owners and the local neighborhood and/or business association. Use this meeting to help neighbors understand what you're seeking and why, and hopefully to resolve any conflicts before your Planning Commission review. The Commission may table your request if you haven't reached out to the neighborhood.

When you submit your application, include the meeting's sign-in sheet. Make sure it has the date, time, and location of the meeting, and names and addresses of attendees. 

Step 4.Prepare your documents

Here are the documents you'll need to prepare before submitting your application:

Describe the Project

• A description - location, size, current use, etc. - of the property/properties to be rezoned
• The current zoning of the properties
• The requested zoning of the properties
• The need for the zone change... see below

Plan Submittals 
We need copies of your plan submittal:

• Two 11x17 copies
• Digital copies of everything submitted in PDF format (separate files for each drawing, plan, or document)

Legal Description
We'll need a legal description of your property in Word or text format.

Step 5.Prepare your payment

The application fees may change year to year - please bring a blank check to our office for payment. Make your check payable to the City of Grand Rapids.

Application fees vary based on the below zone changes:

• Map Amendment
• Conditional Rezoning

Step 6.Download and complete the form

Download and complete the below form. Make sure to include all other required documents with your application. Make sure to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.

 Download the Application

Step 7.We'll review your application

We'll review and submit your application to the Planning Commission. We may contact you with questions or ask for more information.

Step 8.Notice of Public Hearing

After staff review, your application is forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. You'll get a notice of the public hearing 15 days before the Planning Commission meeting.

Step 9.Present Your Request to the Planning Commission

Step 10.We'll notify you of City Commission's decision

We'll send you a letter and resolution to let you know the City Commission's decision.

Step 1.Prepare your documents

Here are the documents you'll need to prepare before submitting your application:

Explain Need for Zone Change

You'll need to explain the need for your requested Zone Change. Write a description of why the Zone Change is needed. Make sure you express how the proposed Zone District will meet the needs of the development.

Describe the Project

• Proposed site and/or building layout
• Building and structure design information
• Floor plans
• Parking calculations
• Current environmental conditions

Are you requesting Site Plan approval and with your Zone Change request? Enclose the site plans, building elevations, and floor plans with your application.

If a Special Land Use approval is also needed, include a completed SLU application.

Plan Submittals 
We need copies of your plan submittal:

• Two 11x17 copies
• One digital copy submitted in PDF format (separate files for each drawing, plan, or document)

Legal Description
Provide us with a legal description of your property in word or text format.

Step 2.Consult with us

We recommend that you meet with us as an informal review of your proposed project. The meeting is intended to determine what kind of zone change is needed, if other approvals are required, and to explain the process to to get a decision on the proposal.

Step 3.Meet with the neighbors

Meet with neighboring property owners, neighborhood association, or business association. Use this meeting to resolve any conflicts before your Planning Commission review. We may table your request if you don't hold a neighborhood meeting.

When you submit your application, include the meeting's sign-in sheet. Make sure it has the date, time, and location of the meeting.

Step 4.Prepare your payment

The application fees may change year to year - please bring a blank check to our office for payment. Make your check payable to the City of Grand Rapids.

Application fees vary based on the below zone changes:

• Map Amendment
• Conditional Rezoning

Step 5.Visit our office

Visit us at the address listed in the Contact Us section of this page. We'll help you get everything you need to complete the application. We'll have paper copies available, but you can print the below form before you arrive. 

Keep in mind that you need to submit your application at least one month before the Planning Commission meeting. You can see a list of the Planning Commission meeting dates.

Download the Application

Step 6.Submit your application

Mail, email or drop off your application. Our information is in the Contact Us section of this page. Make sure to include all other required documents with your application.

Step 7.We'll review your application

We'll review and submit your application to the Planning Commission. We may contact you with questions or ask for more information.

Step 8.Notice of Public Hearing

After staff review, your application is forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing. You'll get a notice of the public hearing 15 days before the Planning Commission meeting.

Step 9.Present Your Request of Zone Change to Planning Commission

Here's what to expect at the public hearing:

• You'll present your request for Optional Plan Review to the Planning Commission
• The Planning Commission will ask you questions about your request
• The Planning Commission will allow public comment on your application. This'll give you a chance to address any public concern or questions
• The Planning Commission may recommend approval or denial, or table the application

• The Planning Commission will submit their recommendation to City Commission for review

Step 10.We'll notify you of City Commission's decision

We'll send you a letter and resolution to let you know City Commission's decision.