Shed Permit in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in Grand Rapids?

A permit is always required for a shed, detached garage, or other accessory structure in Grand Rapids, and only the type of permit changes with size. Below 200 square feet the city issues a Planning Residential Accessory Structure Permit, a Level I Zoning Permit; at 200 square feet or more the project takes a residential building permit instead, applied for on the Residential Building Permit page. The Development Center reviews the structure against Section 5.2.08 of the Zoning Ordinance for setbacks, greenspace, and maximum size, and against the Michigan Residential Code for construction. Structures in a historic district also need approval from the City's Historic Preservation Officer. Always confirm with the City of Grand Rapids Development Center, Building Inspections Division before starting.

How much does a shed permit cost in Grand Rapids?

FY 2027 Planning, Design and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026. Under Planning Fees, ZONING PERMITS "Level I $25.00" lists "Accessory Structure / Over 120 sqft and up to 200 sqft" and "Over 200 sqft - Building Permit". A structure of 200 sq ft or more draws the Building Permits line "Building Permit, Base Fee $54.00 plus Zoning Permit fee" for the first $1,000 of construction cost with "Building Permit, Incremental Fee $6.80" for each additional $1,000, and footnote 6 adds a $25 Zoning Permit fee for 1-2 family residential projects. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does a shed permit take in Grand Rapids?

A few minutes in person at the Development Center; most online plan reviews within 3 business days. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for a shed permit in Grand Rapids?

You can apply through the Grand Rapids permit portal or contact the City of Grand Rapids Development Center, Building Inspections Division directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull a shed permit themselves in Grand Rapids?

Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403(b), (c); MCL 339.2401(a)(iii), (b)(ii)(A); MCL 339.5737(3)(g); MCL 339.6107(2)(d); MCL 339.5819): Yes. A Michigan homeowner may pull the building permit and do the work on their own home without a residential builder license, because the licensing article both defines the trade to exclude them and exempts them outright. MCL 339.2401(a)(iii) says a residential builder is a person that erects a residential structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, and MCL 339.2403(b) exempts an owner of property with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy. Own use and occupancy is the condition, so the exemption does not cover building to sell, and MCL 339.2403(c) limits owners of rental property to maintenance and alteration of that property. The statute sets no cap on how many times a homeowner may use the exemption; the only frequency rule in the article catches purchase, substantial rehabilitation, and resale of the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year, and MCL 339.2401(b)(ii)(A) exempts work for the person's own use and occupancy from even that. Homeowners can also pull their own trade permits: electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied or to be occupied by the person doing the work (MCL 339.5737(3)(g)), their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in their single-family dwelling if a permit is secured (MCL 339.6107(2)(d)), and a heating or refrigerating system if the owner affirms in the permit application that they are or will become the owner and occupant (MCL 339.5819). Confirm how Grand Rapids applies this before you apply.