Grand Rapids, MI · Kent County
Dimensional Variance Application
Grand Rapids property owners and other eligible applicants use this application to request a dimensional variance from zoning requirements.
What this form is
Use this application to ask the Board of Zoning Appeals to allow a structure or property development that would not otherwise meet dimensional zoning requirements. The application asks for property, applicant, owner, agent, and project details, explanations addressing review standards, signatures, and supporting plans. The packet says to include the required attachments and fee; incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Who needs it
Property owners and other applicants with a legal interest in a Grand Rapids property use this application to request a dimensional variance.
How to submit it
Submit the complete application to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW; the document lists weekday hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The checklist lists fees of $750 or $1,830 by variance level and payment by check or credit card.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; the applicant and, if different, the property owner sign it.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Dimensional Variance Application packet from the Planning Department website or obtain it from the department.
- 2
Complete The Application
Fill in the property, applicant, owner, agent, and project information, and respond to the review standards.
- 3
Gather Required Attachments
Prepare the required site plan, drawings and plans, neighborhood outreach information, signatures, and fee listed in the checklist.
- 4
Submit To The Planning Department
Submit the complete packet to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Dimensional Variance Application?
- No. The application requires the applicant and, if different, the property owner to sign and date it; no notary is specified.
- How do I submit the Dimensional Variance Application?
- Submit the complete packet to the Planning Department at the Development Center, 1120 Monroe Avenue NW. The document lists weekday submission hours and requires a complete application.
- What must I include with the application?
- The checklist calls for the signed application, responses to the review standards, a dimensioned site plan, dimensioned drawings and plans, neighborhood outreach information, and the applicable fee.
- What does the Board of Zoning Appeals review?
- The Board reviews whether the requested dimensional variance meets the listed standards, including exceptional property conditions, a substantial property right, circumstances not self-created, no substantial detriment, and consistency with the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance.