Grand Rapids, MI Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- Base Flood Elevation plus 1 foot
- Applies to
- New construction in base flood areas
- Certification
- Registered land surveyor required
- Waiver
- City Manager, engineer-certified only
Summary
Grand Rapids bars new construction in flood-prone drainage areas from having a building opening below the Flood Protection Elevation, the base flood elevation plus one foot, under Chapter 32.
Any new construction or building undergoing substantial improvement in the base flood area of a swale, drainageway, floodway, ditch, culvert, or any other drainage facility or device shall strictly control the lowest building opening elevation so as to substantially limit flood damage to the building and its contents. Except as provided herein, no building opening shall be constructed below the following elevations: 1. Flood Protection Elevation. 2. The lowest building opening elevation established at the time of the plat or development approval.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 32, Section 2.213 requires that new construction or substantial improvement in the base flood area of a swale, drainageway, floodway, ditch, culvert or other drainage facility strictly control its lowest building opening elevation. No building opening may sit below the Flood Protection Elevation, defined in Section 2.203 as the Base Flood Elevation plus one foot, or the elevation set at the time of plat or development approval, whichever governs. A registered land surveyor must certify compliance before framing begins, and the City Manager can grant a waiver only on a Michigan-licensed engineer's written finding that the opening poses no flood hazard.
Violations & Fines
Building below the required opening elevation without a waiver violates Chapter 32; the City Manager can require the opening be raised and re-certified by a surveyor before framing continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much freeboard does Grand Rapids require above base flood elevation?
Can I get a waiver from the freeboard rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
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Flood Elevation Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle flood elevation requirements.