Structure Height Limits: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood
How do structure height limits rules compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Kentwood, MI?
Kentwood has fewer restrictions than Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids, MI
Kent County
Heritage Hill, one of the largest urban historic districts in the United States with about 1,300 buildings, applies strict height and massing controls. New construction or vertical additions need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before any building permit issues.
View full Grand Rapids rules →Kentwood, MI
Kent County
Kent County sets no building-height limit. Maximum building and structure heights are set by each city, village, or zoned township under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, which expressly authorizes locals to limit height. Limits vary by district.
View full Kentwood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Grand Rapids | Kentwood |
|---|---|---|
| District size | About 1,300 buildings | - |
| Approval needed | Certificate of Appropriateness | - |
| Typical height cap | Two-and-a-half stories | - |
| Daily fine | Up to 500 dollars | - |
| County rule | - | None |
| Height set by | - | City/township zoning district |
| Typical single-family cap | - | About 35 ft / 2.5 stories |
| Accessory structures | - | Lower height limits |
| State authority | - | MCL 125.3201(4) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Grand Rapids FAQ
Do I need approval for a new dormer in Heritage Hill?
Yes. Any change to the roofline visible from the street requires a Certificate of Appropriateness, and staff-level review is possible for minor compatible dormers.
Can I install a third-story addition?
Vertical additions are usually denied if they exceed the prevailing height of neighboring contributing structures, particularly along streetscape-prominent elevations.
Kentwood FAQ
Does Kent County limit building height?
No. The county does not zone. Maximum building height is set by your city or township zoning ordinance and varies by district. Check your municipality's code.
How tall can a house be in a residential zone?
Single-family districts commonly cap at about 35 feet or 2.5 stories, but the exact limit is set by your municipality. Confirm with your local zoning office.
Compare other topics
See how Grand Rapids and Kentwood compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool