Since changes to accessory dwelling unit ordinances in 2024, Grand Rapids is on track to approve more of the structures than it had in the 16 years prior.
From 2008-23, 18 ADUs were permitted in Grand Rapids. From 2024-26, 21 ADUs received permit approvals, and one withdrew, according to data provided by the city’s Planning Department.
The city approved the code changes in April 2024. In addition to streamlining the approval process, the revisions allowed for ADUs in both single-family homes and duplexes, as well as on non-owner-occupied lots. Previously, only owner-occupied, single family homes were eligible.
ADUs are still not allowed as short-term rentals and cannot be sold separate from the primary building on the lot. At a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 2, Mayor David LaGrand asked the Commission to consider the idea of permitting short-term rentals in ADUs at a later time.
The Commission also removed additional parking requirements for ADUs. The changes standardized maximum height requirement to be 25 feet, when the structure is set , and revised setback requirements.
More zoning changes to ease the construction of ADUs are on the docket. The Commission will consider additional changes to the zoning ordinance on June 16. An ADU task force provided recommendations which include increasing the maximum size of the structure, exempting it from certain accessory dwelling codes and increasing the maximum number of bedrooms beyond two.
Currently, ADUs are not allowed to be any larger than 40% of the primary structure on the lot, with a maximum total size of 850 square feet. The task force recommended that the ADU just have a maximum square footage requirement, rather than one in proportion to the primary home.
ADUs are zoned as accessory dwellings, which include other structures like garages. The zoning code limits both the number and the total square footage of accessory structures on any one lot, and the proposed changes would define ADUs outside of accessory structures.
“This can pose challenges for new ADU construction as it may force a property owner to modify existing accessory structures or make a decision on if they would rather have a garage or an ADU,” a June 2 presentation stated.
The task force also recommended reducing setback requirements for ADUs on corner lots and reducing or eliminating setbacks for ADUs along alleyways.
The task force was launched after LaGrand’s state of the city address in March 2025. According to a 2025 HousingNext housing needs assessment, Grand Rapids has a rental housing gap of 6,990 units and a for-sale housing gap of 6,333 units.
Write to juliana@grherald.com