Grand Rapids, MI Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Engineer
- Balcony clearance
- 16 ft min., 5 ft projection
- Awning clearance
- 8 ft minimum
- Governing section
- Sec. 5.2.05.H
Summary
Balconies, awnings, and other private projections into a Grand Rapids public right-of-way need an encroachment permit from the City Engineer before they can extend over the sidewalk or street.
H.Projections into the Public Right-of-Way. The following projections are permitted, subject to approval of an encroachment permit from the City Engineer.1.Balconies. A balcony with a minimum ground clearance of sixteen (16) feet above finished grade may extend up to five (5) feet over a public sidewalk.2.Awnings. An awning with a minimum ground clearance of eight (8) feet may extend over a public right-of-way.
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
Sec. 5.2.05.H of the Zoning Ordinance lists the projections a property owner may extend into the public right-of-way, all subject to an encroachment permit approved by the City Engineer. A balcony with at least 16 feet of ground clearance may extend up to 5 feet over a public sidewalk; an awning with at least 8 feet of clearance may extend over the right-of-way. Sec. 5.9.35.A.3.a separately requires an encroachment permit from the City's Engineering Department for any temporary structure or activity using the public right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Installing a balcony, awning, canopy, or other structure that projects into the public right-of-way without an approved encroachment permit from the City Engineer violates Sec. 5.2.05.H and is subject to zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put an awning over the sidewalk in Grand Rapids?
Who approves right-of-way encroachments in Grand Rapids?
Sources & Official References
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Encroachment Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kent County handle encroachment permits.