Grand Rapids, MI · Kent County
Board of Zoning Appeals Appeal Application
Property owners and other eligible applicants use this application to ask Grand Rapids’ Board of Zoning Appeals to review an appealable zoning decision.
What this form is
This application asks the Board of Zoning Appeals to review a decision made by the Planning Commission, Planning Director or code enforcement staff. It requests property, applicant, owner and agent details, information about the decision, and the applicant’s reasons for appealing. The form includes a checklist of required materials; the city says incomplete applications will be returned.
Who needs it
A person or organization with a legal interest in the property may file to appeal an eligible zoning decision, with the property owner’s permission and signature if the applicant is not the owner.
How to submit it
Submit the complete application to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW, 3rd floor. The listed FY2027 fee is $1,830; the form accepts checks payable to the City, or credit card payment in person or by phone.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated by the applicant and, if different, the property owner; it does not require notarization.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Board of Zoning Appeals Appeal Application and review the instructions and checklist.
- 2
Complete The Application
Fill in the property, applicant, owner and appeal information, including the reasons for the appeal.
- 3
Gather Required Items
Attach the items listed on the application checklist and obtain the property owner’s signature if the applicant is not the owner.
- 4
Submit To The Planning Department
Submit the complete application to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW, 3rd floor, with the listed fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Board of Zoning Appeals Appeal Application?
- No. The applicant signs and dates the application, and the property owner also signs and dates it if different. The document does not require notarization.
- Who can file an appeal application?
- The applicant must have a legal interest in the property, such as being the owner, a purchaser under an agreement or a tenant. If the applicant is not the owner, the owner must authorize and sign the application.
- How do I submit the appeal application?
- Submit a complete application to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW, 3rd floor. The form lists a $1,830 FY2027 fee and check or credit card payment options.
- What should I include with the application?
- Complete pages 2–3, sign the application, and attach the items listed on the application checklist. The Planning Department may request additional information during its review.