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Zoning Ordinance Update Project

The City of Bloomington is undergoing a multi-year effort to update its Zoning Ordinance and related City Code provisions. The current Zoning Ordinance was largely written in the 1950s and has, until recently, never been comprehensively updated. The overall project is divided into many smaller subprojects.  Each year, the City completes several subprojects.  As the update occurs, text is transitioned from Chapter 19 to Chapter 21 of the City Code.

The following projects are underway at this time:

Proposed Rezoning of 98th Street and Lyndale Avenue

The City is proposing to rezone eight parcels from B-2 General Business to B-4 Neighborhood Commercial. The proposed rezonings were identified in the recently adopted 98th Street Station Area Plan and are consistent with the Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed rezonings are intended to allow for more transit supportive development to meet the changing needs of 98th Street Station Area (half mile radius from 98th Street Station).  Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for March 7 and the City Council public hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 1.  Background information about the rezonings proposed in the 98th Street Station Area Plan can be found here: BLM.MN/98thStreetSAPRezoning

Recreational Vehicle Ordinance update

As part of the 2019 Planning Commission Work Plan, the City is considering amendments to recreational vehicle storage standards and approval processes.  An ordinance was prepared and discussed at a public hearing before the Planning Commission on September 13, 2018.  The City Council requested revisions at a study session  on January 14, 2019.  The revised ordinance will be discussed at a Planning Commission public hearing on February 28, 2019.  The anticipated City Council public hearing date is April 1, 2019.

Bluff Protection Overlay Standards Update

The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District updated its Watershed Management Plan in October 2018.  Among the many updates to the Plan, the District established new standards related to land-disturbing activity along the Minnesota River Bluffs and other steep slope areas within the District.  By State Statute, the City must come into conformance with the new standards.  Additional background about the proposed standards can be found here:  https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/eng/lower-minnesota-river-watershed-district-proposed-bluff-standard

Study sessions to discuss potential updates will be held Spring 2019, and are yet to be scheduled with the Planning Commission, the Sustainability Commission, and the City Council.  Dates will be posted here once meetings are scheduled.

    Accessory Dwelling Units Update

    Staff is proposing several modifications to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance that are intended to make the creation of an ADU more feasible for some home owners. Proposed changes to the ADU performance standards pertain to minimum site size, off-street parking requirements, and the proportionate size of an ADU. The draft ordinance is linked below. The Planning Commission recommended approval at the February 14, 2019, public hearing meeting and will move to the City Council as a public hearing on March 25, 2019.  If you have any questions, contact Nick Johnson, Planner, at 952-563-8925 or nmjohnson@bloomingtonmn.gov

    PDF iconADU_Draft_Ordinance 011719.pdf

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    Completed updates

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