Accessory Structures in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Grand Rapids permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential zones. ADUs must be 400-850 sq ft, not exceed 40% of the main house floor area, and cannot be rented for less than 30 days.
Grand Rapids ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Grand Rapids adopted progressive ADU reforms beginning in 2023 that permit accessory dwelling units in nearly all residential zone districts (LDR, TN-LDR, TN-TCN, TN-TBA, MON, MOR, NOS, and similar) as a permitted accessory use, subject to standards in Chapter 61 (Zoning Ordinance) Article 5 (Specific Use Standards). One ADU per single-family lot is permitted whether attached, detached, or interior conversion, with maximum size limits keyed to lot area and principal-dwelling size. Michigan has no statewide ADU enabling statute — under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), zoning authority rests with the municipality.
Grand Rapids ADU Permits (Zoning Ordinance Ch. 61 Article 5 + 2023 ADU Reform)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Michigan is one of the most impact-fee-restrictive states in the country. The Michigan Supreme Court's decision in Bolt v. City of Lansing, 459 Mich. 152 (1998), held that municipal exactions imposed on new development must qualify as 'fees' (regulatory and proportional) rather than disguised 'taxes,' and Michigan has no statewide impact-fee enabling statute. Grand Rapids charges no traditional parks, transportation, schools, or public-safety impact fees on ADU construction. Costs are limited to building permit fees, plan review, and utility connection charges through the Environmental Services Department.
Grand Rapids ADU Impact Fees (None — Michigan Prohibits Municipal Impact Fees)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Grand Rapids does not require owner-occupancy as a condition of operating an accessory dwelling unit. The 2023 ADU reforms in Chapter 61 (Zoning Ordinance) Article 5 removed prior owner-occupancy expectations and treat the ADU as a fully permitted accessory use without an owner-presence condition. Rental of either the principal dwelling or the ADU triggers Grand Rapids' rental certification program under Chapter 173 (Rental Property Maintenance), but does not require the property owner to live on-site. Michigan has no statewide ADU statute.
Grand Rapids ADU Owner-Occupancy (Not Required Following 2023 Reform)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rentals of accessory dwelling units in Grand Rapids must obtain a rental certificate under Chapter 173 (Rental Property Maintenance and Inspection) with periodic Code Compliance inspections. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are separately regulated and require registration, life-safety compliance, and collection of the Kent County 5% lodging excise tax plus Michigan 6% use tax. Michigan prohibits municipal rent control under PA 226 of 1988 (MCL 123.411). Security deposits are capped at 1.5 months under MCL 554.602.
Grand Rapids ADU Rental Rules (Chapter 173 Certification; STR Under Chapter 138)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Small sheds under 200 sq ft may not require a building permit in Grand Rapids, but must comply with zoning setbacks. Larger accessory structures require both zoning and building permits.
Grand Rapids Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Grand Rapids requires building permits and must meet building code standards for habitable rooms. Replacement parking may be required depending on the zoning district.
Grand Rapids Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Grand Rapids treats carports as accessory structures under Section 5.2.08 of the Chapter 61 Zoning Ordinance. Detached carports must sit at least 3 feet from rear and side lot lines, at least 6 feet from the house, may not be in the front yard, and are capped at 14-16 feet in height depending on lot size and neighborhood type. Structures under 200 sq ft need only a Zoning Permit; 200 sq ft or larger requires a full Building Permit.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Grand Rapids has no separate tiny-home use class, but Section 5.9.03 of Chapter 61 (Zoning Ordinance) explicitly authorizes Accessory Dwelling Units of 400-850 square feet, capped at 40% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area, max two bedrooms. One unit must be owner-occupied, ADUs cannot be leased for less than 30 days, and a deed restriction barring separate conveyance must be recorded before the building permit issues. All units must comply with the Michigan Residential Code.
accessory-structures/tiny-homes
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kent County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.
Accessory Structures in Kent County →