City of Grand Rapids and MEDC unveil Permit-Ready Plans toolkit to address housing needs, lower barriers for infill housing development

The collaboration between the City of Grand Rapids, MEDC, Michigan Municipal League and Driven Design, LLC will assist communities with infill housing stock on vacant or underutilized properties to address the state's housing gap

LANSING, Mich. – Today, the City of Grand Rapids and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) are unveiling resources that will streamline the process for communities to add housing in existing neighborhoods. Permit-Ready Plans, a collaborative partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, MEDC, Michigan Municipal League (MML) and Driven Design, LLC, lowers the barrier for infill housing development by decreasing construction costs and shortening permit processing timelines. 

While the tool is being piloted in Grand Rapids, the housing plans and streamlined permitting process can be implemented in communities across the state, adding housing and increased vibrancy throughout Michigan. 

“As we work to support placemaking efforts in our communities across the state, the Permit-Ready Plans resources will help increase their economic vitality while addressing the housing shortage,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “These resources will also increase opportunities for emerging developers and encourage future investment in projects throughout Michigan. We are proud to partner with the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan Municipal League and Driven Design on this effort to increase housing across the state.” 

Housing plans include single-family, two-family and multi-family housing types, providing communities and prospective developers with options that will work best for each property. Plans for the three housing types can be found here. 

“This investment with the MEDC has been a great example of partners coming together to solve real time challenges to the housing crisis,” said City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero. “The City now has more ready-to-go resources in the toolbox that will bring projects to life faster and contribute to the growth of vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods in Grand Rapids.  We hope to partner with emerging developers or real estate entrepreneurs who are newer to navigating the development process.” 

“The Michigan Municipal League is delighted to continue working with the MEDC to promote new housing creation for Michigan, which is critical to economic development,” said Michigan Municipal League Program Manager of Policy Research Labs Melissa Milton-Pung. “The League supported these how-to manuals in response to urgent housing needs across the state, and persistent demand from developers and builders who have asked for more details on how to get going with Pattern Book Homes plans in their communities. Our target audiences are small- to medium-sized developers trying to enter the housing market and local municipalities seeking to line up pre-reviewed plans with fewer barriers to building more homes.” 

The City of Grand Rapids Planning Department will be hosting 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.

Through initiatives like Permit-Ready Plans, communities across Michigan will have the opportunity to revitalize vacant or underutilized properties, increasing their residential density and vibrancy. 

 

Resource Links 

MEDC Developer Toolkit 

City of Grand Rapids Permit-Ready Plans Program Landing Page 

City of Grand Rapids Emerging Developer Grant

Permit-Ready Plans Program Application 

Michigan Municipal League Pattern Book Homes

  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.