Grand Rapids, MI Privacy & Surveillance: Security Camera Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Only declared nuisance establishments
- Camera coverage
- Register, entrance, exterior sides
- Requirement
- Enroll in Police Camera Registration Program
- Residential rule
- None found in city code
- Citation
- Chapter 175 CPTED § 9.944(a)(5)
Summary
Grand Rapids has no general residential camera ordinance, but its CPTED code lets the city require businesses declared chronic nuisances to install video surveillance and enroll in the Police Department's Security Camera Registration Program.
(5)Surveillance system. Install and maintain a functioning video surveillance system capable of recording and retrieving a digital image to assist in offender identification and apprehension. Cameras associated with the system shall be positioned to capture images of alcohol display areas, the cash register; the customer entrance, and all exterior sides of the building. Enroll in the Police Department Security Camera Registration Program.
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
Under the chronic-nuisance enhanced-measures article of Chapter 175 (CPTED), the City Manager may order a business formally declared a "chronic nuisance establishment" to install a functioning video surveillance system covering alcohol display areas, the cash register, the customer entrance, and all exterior building sides, and to enroll in the Police Department's Security Camera Registration Program. A chronic-nuisance declaration requires either four compliance letters/citations in 180 days or documented crime impacts over 24 months. This is a targeted enforcement tool for repeat-violation businesses, not a citywide residential camera-registry or Ring-partnership ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Camera enrollment is one of several corrective actions the City Manager may order under a Correction Agreement after declaring a business a chronic nuisance; noncompliance can bring permit denial, license revocation, or a court abatement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grand Rapids require homeowners to register security cameras with police?
What must a chronic-nuisance business's camera system cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Grand Rapids
Compare Grand Rapids to another location·View the Michigan privacy & surveillance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.