The City of Bloomington allows the painting of brick, stucco, and metal building exteriors, and we support efforts to maintain and enhance your property. While painting itself does not require a permit, we strongly encourage property owners to connect with Planning Division staff if you have questions about materials, application methods, or future maintenance considerations.
- Important: Other exterior façade modifications—such as re-cladding, material replacement, or structural changes—will likely require zoning approval and a building permit. Please contact staff early in your planning process so we can help guide you through the requirements.
For more details, you can refer to our zoning code requirements for exterior materials:
Key Reminders:
- When painting brick, we strongly recommend using a brick stain or elastomeric paint to maintain the material’s natural breathability.
- All paintwork should be professionally applied to ensure durability and visual consistency.
- Painted surfaces must be well maintained—chipping, peeling, or deteriorated paint creates a worn appearance and should be addressed promptly.
The following information offers best practices, recommendations, and key considerations for painting brick, stucco, and metal surfaces to help you make informed, lasting decisions for your property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (All Surfaces)
- Skipping surface preparation
- Painting before materials have cured
- Using interior paint on exterior surfaces
- Applying paint too thickly
- Painting during poor weather conditions
- Not allowing coats to fully dry between applications
