The Michigan Economic Development Corporation determined Grand Rapids is the perfect location to roll out the Permit-Ready Plans Program. It decreases construction costs and permit-processing timelines for emerging developers.
“With our work with the City of Grand Rapids, our redevelopment services directors partner with communities to provide hands-on technical assistance to remove barriers to redevelopment on priority sites.”
Michelle Parkkonen is Managing Director of Technical Assistance Programs.
“This is really looking at an incremental approach to development, and it’s complimenting some of those changes that the City of Grand Rapids has made to their zoning ordinance that allows for additional infill in the neighborhoods.”
Developers purchase a vacant lot, then apply to the MEDC’s Permit-Ready Program, select a single-, two-, or multi-family housing structure, apply for a building permit, and begin construction.
“We’ve removed that initial predevelopment cost to getting a unit designed. We’ve removed the cost to have all of the plans reviewed by all of the various departments at the City of Grand Rapids, and this is ready to go.”
Launched in Grand Rapids, the program is available statewide.
The City of Grand Rapids Planning Department will host a Lunch & Learn at the Development Center, which will provide a comprehensive review of the Permit-Ready Plans Program, how to participate, and what to expect on May 20th. More details on registration can be found here.
