City of Grand Rapids
Planning Commission
About the Board
Here's a quick look at the Planning Commission:
- Guides public and private development efforts
- Works alongside the City Commission and appointed boards to carry out the City's Master Plan
- Members seek to administer the Zoning Ordinance fairly and equitably
- Members aim to understand citizens' interests and concerns with the development of the city
Get Involved!
Looking to get involved in your community? Serving on a City Board or Commission is a great way to make a difference!
Applications
Use the links below for instructions and forms for all your project needs.
You can now apply for our Planning Commission applications online!
Otherwise, you may download and complete an application from the list below. Please note, for many Planning Commission applications, you will need to complete the Planning Commission Owner Authorization Form.
- Special Land Use Application
- Special Land Use Alcohol Application
- Site Plan Review Application
- Optional Plan Review Application
- Planned Sign Program
- Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Application
- Planned Redevelopment District (PRD) Amendment Application
- Zone Change Application
- Text Amendment Application
- Submit Additional Project Parcels to the Planning Commission
Fees
As of July 1, 2026
Planning Commission Fee Schedule FY27
Bylaws
2026 Meeting Schedule
Board Member Composition
- 9 members, with a makeup representative of the community
- Members may hold no other municipal office except that one member may also serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals
Requirements for Commission Membership
Residency Requirement
Most members on this board must live within in Grand Rapids city limits. However, the Mayor may appoint one non-resident to the Commission.
Term Limits
Each member’s term, other than ex officio members, are appointed for 3 year terms that expire on the first Monday in January on the third year succeeding his or her appointment, or until his or her successor is appointed, whichever is later. Members, other than ex officio members, first appointed, are appointed to 1 year or 2 year terms so that, as nearly as possible, the terms of one-third of all members will expire each year.
Compensation
There is no compensation for members of this board.
Board Members
- There are 9 members of the City Planning Commission who are all appointed by the City Commission for a term beginning the first Monday in January.
- Members may hold no other municipal office except that one member may also serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals
| Name | Resident Status | Term Ends On |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Treur | Ward 2 Resident | 1/4/27 |
| Matthew Franko | Ward 2 Resident | 1/3/28 |
| Aaron Jonker | Ward 3 Resident | 1/1/29 |
| Laurel Joseph | Ward 3 Resident | 1/1/29 |
| Paul Helm | Ward 2 Resident | 1/3/28 |
| Kyle Van Strien | Ward 1 Resident | 1/1/29 |
| Brian Swem | Ward 3 Resident | 1/3/28 |
| Jen Schottke | Ward 2 Resident | 1/4/27 |
| Andrea Hendrick | Ward 2 Resident | 1/4/27 |
Meeting Notices
