The Bloomington City Council will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2025 at 6:30pm in the Council Chambers at Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, Minnesota, or by electronic means as permitted by State law, to consider Case #PL202500145 an application by the City of Bloomington for multiple amendments to City Code, thereby amending Chapters 6, 10, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, and Appendix A of the City Code.
The following group of ordinances are those that are considered “code clean up” and are being proposed to correct clerical errors in city code, align different sections or chapters of city code with each other, or align city code with state law.
Ordinance A - Edit the definition of “Abandoned Sign” [§ 21.304.07].
Ordinance B – Replace references to the Airport South Area to the South Loop District and update references to American Boulevard [§ 17.80, § 21.207.03(k)(1)]
Ordinance C - Correct references to approved surface materials and vehicle storage locations for off-street parking areas [§ 21.301.06(i)(5)(D), § 21.301.20(a)(3)(E)]
Ordinance D - Clarify certain performance standards for day care facilities in industrial zoning districts apply when it is an accessory use [§ 21.209(e), § 21.302.27(c)(5), § 21.302.27(c)(5)(A), § 21.302.27(c)(5)(B)]
Ordinance E - Clarify the requirements of a parking lot permit [§ 15.13, § 21.301.06(g)]
Ordinance F - Add license fees for co-living developments [Appendix A]
Ordinance G - Add a fee for an application for time extension on expiration of a conditional use permit [Appendix A]
Ordinance H - Remove a reference to a conditional use permit requirement for pet services facilities [§ 21.302.28(b)]
Ordinance I - Create a definition for “Distilled Spirits Manufacturer” [§ 21.601]
Ordinance J - Remove an outdated reference to administrative variances for a driveway setback [§ 21.301.06(i)(10)(F)]
Ordinance K - Allow special freestanding sign provisions for the Bloomington Community Health and Wellness Center [§ 21.304.16(f)(2)]
Ordinance L - Exempt internally lit signage from requiring a lighting plan [§ 21.304.22(c)]
Ordinance M - Add an exception to commercial animal establishment licenses for temporary events with therapy dogs or cats [§ 14.97(d)(3)]
Ordinance N - Allow hot tubs in residential zoning districts and play structures related to institutional uses in nonresidential zoning districts to encroach into required setbacks [§ 21.301.02(g)(4)(J), § 21.301.02(g)(5)(G)]
Ordinance O - Establish the basis for landscaping redevelopment compliance requirements [§ 21.301.15(i), § 21.301.15(i)(4)]
Ordinance P – Removed from consideration
Ordinance Q - Amend location standards for fences with respect to clear view triangles as defined in § 21.601 of the City Code [§ 21.301.08(f)(3), § 21.301.08(f)(3)(A), § 21.301.08(f)(3)(B)]
Ordinance R - Remove references to the Hearing Examiner [§ 21.502.01(b)(3)(11), § 21.502.01(c)]
Ordinance S - Delete outdated air pollution control device permits [§ 6.11(e), § 10.01, § 10.02, Appendix A]
Ordinance T - Remove outdated references to Chapter 19 [§ 14.153(b)(6), § 14.153(c)(3), § 14.153(c)(6), § 15.202(e)(4), § 21.209(c), § 21.209(d), § 21.209(e), § 21.209(f), § 21.301.03(b)(3), § 21.302.13(d)(11), § 21.302.25(d)(6)(A), § 21.501.03(c)(1), § 21.501.03(c)(2)]
Ordinance U - Replace “church” with “place of assembly” [§ 21.208.04(c)(2)(A)(III), § 21.302.37(b)(1)(B)(i), § 21.302.37(f)(4)]
Ordinance V - Clarify that certain structures, building features, site features, and equipment must not encroach into public easement of record unless there is written approval by the City to allow an encroachment [§ 21.301.02(c), § 21.301.02(g)]
Ordinance W - Update definitions and standards for managed natural landscapes in chapter 21 of the City Code to match those within chapter 10 of the City Code [§ 21.301.15(c)(5)(C), § 21.301.15(f)(5), § 21.601]
Ordinance X - Add the term “flag lot”, its associated definition, and a graphic example to the City Code [§ 21.601]
Ordinance Y - Remove reference to buffer requirements for residential care facilities administrated by the State [§ 21.302.23(c)(1), § 21.302.23(c)(2)]
Ordinance Z - Clarify platting variance application procedures [§ 22.08(b)(9), § 22.08(b)(9)(C)]
The following group of ordinances are those that propose a policy change to city code by introducing new substantive standards, removing substantive standards, or modifying substantive standards.
Ordinance AA - Allow the Planning Manager to exempt the lighting plan requirement, and establishing lighting maintenance standards [§ 21.301.07(b), § 21.301.07(b)(i)]
Ordinance BB - Allow multiple-family dwellings in the B-1, B-2, CR-1, and CS-1 zoning districts and clarify use standards for residential uses in commercial zoning districts [§ 21.205.06(b)(20), § 21.205.07(b)(14), § 21.209(d), § 21.302.02 (a), § 21.302.02(b), § 21.302.09(c)]
Ordinance CC - Update the decision making authority and processes for appeals for variances and certificates of appropriateness for historical preservation [§ 21.502.01(c), Appendix A]
Ordinance DD - Allow accessory structures and garages to be a maximum of 15 feet in height, regardless of the height of the principal structure [§ 21.301.19(d)]
Ordinance EE - Remove the architectural unity requirement for nonresidential structures in certain commercial zoning districts [§ 21.301.03(a)(3)]
Ordinance FF - Modify width requirements for public sidewalk minor collector roads [§ 21.301.04(d)(1)(A)(i), § 21.301.04(d)(1)(A)(ii)]
How you can participate in the City Council Meeting
To watch the meeting
To provide public testimony on public hearing items
- Attend in person; or
- Speak by phone during a public hearing by dialing 1-415-655-0001. Enter access code 2867 563 5155 # and password 111725 #. Press *3 to "raise your hand" to indicate a desire to speak; your line will remain muted until it is your turn. When it is your turn to speak, the Council Secretary will call on you by the first six digits of your phone number and will unmute your line. Listen for notification that your line has been unmuted before speaking.
- Offer testimony in advance of the meeting by leaving a voicemail at 952-563-4695 or emailing councilsecretary@bloomingtonmn.gov no later than 2 p.m. on the meeting date. Include the item number and title listed on the agenda. Include your name, phone number, and address when leaving a voicemail or email. Please indicate if you also plan to attend in person or call in during the meeting to provide live testimony.
Meeting agenda and documents are available at blm.mn/meetings.
Further information
Copies of the proposed ordinances can be found below. For more information or to submit comments, contact Emily Hestbech, Planner, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431-3027. 952-563-4507 or ehestbech@bloomingtonmn.gov
