Tiny Homes: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood
How do tiny homes rules compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Kentwood, MI?
Grand Rapids and Kentwood have similar restriction levels.
Grand Rapids, MI
Kent County
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.
View full Grand Rapids rules →Kentwood, MI
Kent County
Michigan tiny homes built on permanent foundations must meet the Michigan Residential Code, including Appendix Q for dwellings 400 square feet or less, applied uniformly statewide.
View full Kentwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Grand Rapids | Kentwood |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Chapter 61 Sec. 5.9.03 (ADU) | - |
| Min Size | 400 sq ft | - |
| Max Size | 850 sq ft (or 40% of primary) | - |
| Max Bedrooms | 2 | - |
| Owner Occupancy | Required (1 unit) | - |
| Min Lease Term | 30 days | - |
| Short-Term Rental | Prohibited | - |
| Deed Restriction | Required pre-permit | - |
| THOWs | Not recognized as dwelling | - |
| Building Code | Michigan Residential Code | - |
| Appendix Q Threshold | - | 400 square feet or less |
| Foundation Type | - | Permanent required |
| Wheels Status | - | RV or park trailer |
| Local Authority | - | Zoning, not construction |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Grand Rapids FAQ
Can I build a tiny home in Grand Rapids?
Yes, as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Chapter 61 Section 5.9.03. The unit must be at least 400 square feet, no larger than 850 square feet (and no more than 40% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area), capped at two bedrooms, on a permanent foundation, and built to the Michigan Residential Code. One of the two units on the lot must be owner-occupied.
Can I rent out my Grand Rapids ADU on Airbnb?
No. Section 5.9.03 expressly prohibits renting an ADU for less than 30 days and prohibits any short-term rental use. Long-term ADU rentals (30+ days) are allowed but the unit must be registered with the City under Chapter 140, and one of the two units on the lot must remain owner-occupied.
Can I park a tiny house on wheels (THOW) on my Grand Rapids lot and live in it?
No. Chapter 61 does not recognize tiny houses on wheels as permanent dwellings. THOWs registered as recreational vehicles cannot be used for full-time occupancy on a residential lot. Tiny dwellings must be on a permanent foundation, comply with the Michigan Residential Code, and be permitted as an ADU or as a standard single-family dwelling.
Kentwood FAQ
Are tiny houses legal in Michigan?
Yes, tiny houses on permanent foundations meeting the Michigan Residential Code are legal statewide. Local zoning determines minimum dwelling size and where they may be sited.
Can I live in a tiny house on wheels in Michigan?
Generally no for permanent occupancy. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles or park trailers and require licensed campground or RV park placement absent local approval.
What is Appendix Q in Michigan's tiny house rules?
Appendix Q provides relaxed code standards for dwellings 400 square feet or less, including reduced loft heights, ladder access, and modified emergency egress requirements.
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