Business Licensing & Operations in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
5 verified business licensing & operations rules for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Grand Rapids confines adult bookstores, cabarets, theaters, and model studios to zones where they're specifically allowed, at least 500 feet from residential zones and 1,000 feet from each other, per Sec. 5.9.28.
Grand Rapids Adult Business Spacing Rules
Significant RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.9.28.D (Chapter 61 — Zoning Ordinance)
The Regulated Uses listed in Section 5.9.28.B. are permitted if: 1. The use is within a Zone District where the use is specifically permitted; 2. The use is more than five hundred (500) feet from any Residential Zone District, measured to the nearest lot line of the proposed use; and 3. The use is not within one thousand (1,000) feet of one (1) other Regulated Use, measured from the nearest lot...
Massage Establishments
Massage businesses in Grand Rapids must employ only Michigan-licensed massage therapists, display each therapist's valid license at the front entrance, and keep hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. under the city's CPTED bodyworks ordinance.
Grand Rapids Massage Business Licensing Rules
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 9.940(c),(f)
(c)Hours of operation. Bodyworks businesses shall maintain reasonable hours of operation; operating hours may begin at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by 10:00 p.m. Twenty-four-hour operations are prohibited.(d)Customer entry. Customer access to the building entry shall only be through the front door of the primary building entrance facing the public right-of-way.(e)Occupancy and doors. No person or per...
Secondhand Dealers
Grand Rapids secondhand and junk dealers need a city license and must fingerprint sellers, tag goods, and report daily to police under Chapter 101.
Grand Rapids Secondhand Dealer License
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 7.292, § 7.297 (Chapter 101 - Secondhand Dealers)
No person shall operate as a secondhand dealer without first obtaining a license to do so from the City as provided in this Chapter... Any article purchased, exchanged, or received under a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be retained by the purchaser thereof for at least 15 days before disposing of the article.
Pawnbrokers
Grand Rapids pawnbrokers must hold a city license, post a $6,000 bond, and follow strict recordkeeping and stolen-goods rules under Chapter 100.
Grand Rapids Pawnbroker License Rules
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 7.271 (Chapter 100 - Pawnbrokers)
No person shall engage in the business of Pawnbroker in the City of Grand Rapids without first having complied with all the provisions of Act 273 of the Public Acts of the State of Michigan, for the year 1917, and the provisions of this Chapter and obtained the license as herein provided for.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Grand Rapids lets residents repair their own vehicles at home in any residential zone district, but only one vehicle at a time, no outside storage of parts or equipment, and no excessive noise, vibration, or odor bothering the neighbors.
Grand Rapids Home Auto Repair Limits
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.2.12.A
A.Repair. In all residential Zone Districts, mechanical work and repair of motor vehicles, boats, travel trailers, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles or any other similar vehicles, licensed to, registered in the name of, and solely for the personal use of the dwelling occupant is permitted with the following conditions:1.Not more than one (1) vehicle shall be under repair at any given time.2.Th...
Looking for Kent County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in Kent County →