Overview
The Development Center uses Citizen Access and ePlan resources. Confirm building, zoning and trade records for the whole project. The current estimator treats only single-family and duplex work as residential; three or more dwellings use commercial.
Authority
Development Center / Building Inspections
Portal
Citizen Access and ePlan Room
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical changes
Grand Rapids / MichiganApplicable Code
Michigan electrical provisions and City permit scope.
License Requirement
The City renovation guide requires licensed, registered contractors for landlord electrical work.
License Fee
Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm current City registration and state credential costs.
CEUs
Follow Michigan renewal requirements for the license held.
Permit Fee
FY2027 application $52 including one inspection, plus installed-item components.
Plan Review Time
Use Citizen Access for scope and inspection tracking.
Common Pitfalls
- A landlord is not the owner-occupant electrical route.
- Application base does not include every installed circuit/item.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Define use and project
Check building, zoning and trade records.
Prepare plans
Use the City guide and project-specific drawings.
Identify applicant
Contractor applies for hired work; verify landlord trade credentials.
Apply online
Submit through Citizen Access and pay assessed fees.
Resolve review
Track status and respond to the plan-review letter.
Inspect and finish
Inspect before covering work and complete finals.
Permit fees and worked estimates
The linked FY2027 City schedule states effective July 1, 2026.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical changes | FY2027 application $52 including one inspection, plus installed-item components. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm current City registration and state credential costs. |
| Plumbing and water services | FY2027 application $52 plus fixture/piping components; listed water heater $21. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm trade registration and state credential costs. |
| Heating and ventilation | FY2027 application $52 plus residential replacement furnace or AC/heat-pump item $21 each. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm the actual contractor credential/registration category. |
| Alarm and sprinkler permits | FY2027 electrical application $52 plus fire alarm up to ten devices $63; $6 each additional device. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Verify specialist registration rather than relying on a GC record. |
| Building and renovations | FY2027 $54 first $1,000 valuation + $6.80 each additional $1,000; review and zoning extra. | Fee amount not verified in this review. Confirm state license and City applicant requirements for the project. |
Submission checklist
Homeowner and contractor scope
The City guide describes homeowner work in the owner’s home and directs landlord electrical, mechanical and plumbing work to licensed, registered contractors. The applicant is responsible for work under the record. Confirm unusual owner or system scopes with the Development Center.
Codes and amendments
Use the City project guides, adopted Michigan provisions and City code resources. The renovation guide contains older illustrative fees, so this guide uses the linked July 2026 schedule for dollar examples rather than copying those older amounts.
Inspections and closeout
Use Citizen Access or the City service line for building and trade inspections. Obtain required approval before drywall, concealed systems or footing concrete, then request finals. The guide warns that extended inactivity can invalidate a permit; seek any extension before expiration.