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Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)

2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Density Bonus Law

Grand Rapids lets multi-family developers in its TCC, TBA, TOD, and C zone districts shrink the minimum lot area per unit by up to 500 square feet, building denser, by mixing in affordable, transit-accessible housing.

Grand Rapids Mixed-Income Density Bonus

Some Restrictions

Grand Rapids City Code § 5.6.07.B.2.a (Chapter 61 — Zoning Ordinance)

Mixed-Income Housing Bonus. The minimum lot area per dwelling unit in a multiple family development may be reduced by up to five hundred (500) square feet per unit for development projects that satisfy the criteria below: i. The development is located within a half mile of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station or one-quarter of a mile of a transit stop; ii. The development includes at least twenty ...

Downtown Design Guide

Grand Rapids requires new development in areas with an approved streetscape plan, including downtown, to follow the Downtown Streetscape Design Guidelines for walkways, street furniture, trees, and lighting in the right-of-way.

Grand Rapids Downtown Streetscape Design Rules

Some Restrictions

Grand Rapids City Code § 5.11.13.C.1

Where an area streetscape plan has been approved, including, but not limited to, the Downtown Streetscape Design Guidelines, those design guidelines shall be used for new walking surfaces, street furniture, street trees, landscaping, and lighting fixtures in the public right-of-way.

Looking for Kent County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Kent County