The Grand Rapids Planning Commission has recommended changes to the city’s zoning ordinance to address a critical housing shortage. Among the proposed amendments are the permitting of accessory dwelling units with single and two-family dwellings, raising the number of unrelated occupants allowed in the same housing unit from four to six, and removing parking requirements for developments of six or fewer units. The city’s Housing Needs Assessment shows a need for 14,106 new housing units by 2027, but this target is not currently being met.
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission has proposed a series of zoning ordinance amendments to address the pressing housing demand in the city. These recommendations have been forwarded to the city commission for potential approval.
Planning Director Kristin Turkelson, in a public meeting, outlined the prompt necessity of these changes due to a critical housing need. The amendments, divided into five categories, aim to escalate housing supply to meet the requirements outlined in the city’s Housing Needs Assessment.
The commission suggests permitting accessory dwelling units for single and two-family residences, with the removal of the owner occupancy requirement and adjustments to size and parking regulations.
Some residents, during public comment, criticized the proposed amendment, while Housing Next lead consultant, Ryan Kilpatrick endorsed the changes, acknowledging residents’ concerns.
The Planning Commission proposed an increase in the number of unrelated occupants allowed in a housing unit from four to six, potentially benefitting college students and early career professionals.
The amendments propose allowing small scale uses in residential districts related to singe-room occupancy, board houses, and transitional shelters, with a Good Neighbor Plan required for special land uses.
The commission proposed easing restrictions on two-family and multiple-family residential units in the Traditional Neighborhood—Low-Density Residential Zone District. This amendment, described as the “most significant,” has the most potential to increase supply, with further reductions to parking requirements.
The commission also recommended eliminating parking requirements for developments with six or fewer units within the TN-LDR Zone District, besides other modifications related to public transit.
The proposed amendments will be presented to the Grand Rapids Committee of the Whole and City Commission, with February 20 speculated as the earliest possible briefing date, according to Turkelson.
