The Planning Department is responsible for making sure that projects align with the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance guides what types of uses are allowed where, how projects are designed, and what buildings look like. The Zoning Ordinance also outlines what process a project needs to move forward. 

The vast majority (~90%) of projects are allowed “by right” which means they generally meet already established zoning and code compliance criteria to be reviewed and approved by City staff without additional authorizations. The other 10% of projects require review and approval from the City of Grand Rapids Planning Commission, commonly through an application called a “Special Land Use”.

The Special Land Use process is intended to provide a higher level of review and consideration for projects that have unique characteristics or potential impacts to adjacent properties, the neighborhood, or the community. Review of Special Land Uses are the responsibility of the Planning Commission.  

The proposed project at 2450 7th St NW will require review and approval from the Planning Commission via a Special Land Use.  

When an application for a Special Land Use is received by the Planning Department it is reviewed for completeness. If the application is complete it is scheduled for a public hearing on the next available meeting. At least 15 days prior to the meeting a public hearing notice with the date, time, and location of the public hearing is posted in the local paper and public hearing postcards are sent to all properties within 300ft of the proposed project. 

On the day of the meeting the Planning Commission will review the applications on the agenda one by one. Applications begin with a presentation by Planning Department staff who provide an overview of the project and followed by a presentation from the applicant. After the applicant has finished their presentation, the Planning Commission will open a public hearing where members of the public can provide comment on the application.

The City of Grand Rapids Planning Commission is made up of nine community members appointed by the Mayor and the City Commission. The Planning Commission guides public and private development efforts, implements the City’s Master Plan, and administers the Zoning Ordinance fairly and equitably. The Planning Commission meets on the Second Thursday of the month, with a tentative meeting on the Fourth Thursday of the month, at 1p.m. in City Commission Chambers on the 9th Floor of City Hall (300 Monroe Ave NW). 

After the public hearing for an application is complete, Planning Commissioners deliberate and can ask the applicant questions about the application. The Planning Commission will review the project based on a set of standards. The Planning Commission must determine if a project does or does not meet the review standards with findings to support either decision. 

The standards for review are outlined under Section 5.12.08 and 5.12.09 of the City of Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance. Projects that receive approval from the Planning Commission can move to permitting through the Development Center. 

After the applicant has finished their presentation, the Planning Commission will open a public hearing where members of the public can provide comment on the application.

Written public comments that are sent to the Planning Department prior to the meeting are given to all Planning Commissioners before the meeting. If you are interested in providing formal comments to the Planning Commission, please do so by: 

Email: planning@grcity.us

Mail: Planning Commission, 1120 Monroe Ave NW, 3rd Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

In person: During the public hearing for the proposed project, members of the public can address the Planning Commission for three (3) minutes. After the public hearing is closed, no new comments can be accepted. 

Written comments submitted to the Planning Commission after 9a.m. the morning of the meeting will be provided to the Planning Commission as physical copies during the meeting. Written comments should be signed with an individuals name and address. Comments regarding potential developments are only shared with the Planning Commission once an application is received. 

The Bridge to Our Future Community Master Plan is a long-range land use policy document that guides how Grand Rapids evolves and grows over the next 10 to 20 years. Throughout the Community Master Plan process over 1,400 residents were engaged and the document reflects the Community’s vision for the future. When evaluating applications, the Planning Commission reviews the Community Master Plan for guidance and to ensure that Special Land Use Applications align with the intent of the Community Master Plan. You can view the Community Master Plan here. 

2450 7th St NW is zoned Mid-20th Century Neighborhood - Low Density Residential (abbreviated MCN-LDR). The MCN-LDR District is intended to protect the established development pattern, consisting predominantly of low-density residential development characterized by single-family detached houses on individual lots with garages located to the side or rear of the main building. New development and building renovation shall be compatible with the valued characteristics of the existing built environment. To that end, a coordinated variety in design is encouraged. The repeated use of identical façade designs shall be avoided.

Single-family dwellings, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and two-family dwellings (duplexes) on corner lots are all permitted "by-right" in this Zone District. 

Attached single-family (townhomes) and multiple-family dwellings are also permitted in this Zone District but require review via a Special Land Use. 

A key component of the Community Master Plan is the Future Character and Land Use Plan/Map. The Future Land Use Plan is intended to guide where and how Grand Rapids should use its land with a particular focus on the character and qualities of development. 

2450 7th St NW is identified as a "Compact Neighborhood" on the Future Character and Land Use Map. The intent of the Compact Neighborhood is to create, maintain, and promote a variety of housing opportunities while enhancing the desired physical characteristics of the City's existing neighborhoods. These areas support small-scale commercial uses and contribute to the vibrancy of Neighborhood Centers. The land use is a mix of housing with small offices, commercial area, religious, K-12 schools and other civic uses at intersections and major streets. The building form is characterized by a mix of housing such as small-lot single-family, ADUs, townhomes or duplexes, and multiple-family buildings. Development should encourage a well-connected and dense street network with short blocks that accommodate walking, cycling, and transit use. 

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