What Matters for Project Planning
Grand Rapids participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, and land near the Grand River and its tributaries can fall within FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas, where projects may require an Elevation Certificate and compliance with the city's floodplain development standards under Chapter 32 of its code of ordinances. The city promotes Low Impact Development as its preferred stormwater strategy, and a 2021 state MS4 permit added a requirement that most development and redevelopment projects retain the runoff difference for the 2-year, 24-hour storm.
Official Sources
Verify the Property, Not Just the City
General city information can't establish one parcel's flood zone, historic status, permit requirements, soil conditions, or hidden construction. Verify parcel-specific flood zone, historic designation, and permit requirements directly with the Kent County authority before any work is authorized.
These sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. These Grand Rapids sources and maps were current when reviewed, though requirements can shift.