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:

Bluff Standards update

Updates to the Bluff Protection (BP-1) and Bluff Development (BP-2) Overlay Zoning Districts are being considered in order to address the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District's steep slope standard.

For more information, visit the project page:  blm.mn/bluffupdate

Public Hearings are tentatively scheduled:

  • February 11th - Sustainability Commission
  • February 20th - Planning Commission
  • March 16th - City Council

Food Truck Standards

Staff is currently drafting an ordinance for food truck standards. 

Potential changes include:

  • A new food truck license
  • New standards to allow food trucks to operate outside of special events (with permission of the property owner)

Click here for case file information. 

Below are materials from the February 20th Planning Commission meeting.

Public Hearings are tentatively scheduled:

  • March 5th - Planning Commission
  • April 6th - City Council

Restaurant Standards

Staff has drafted an ordinance for restaurant standards, which is available below.

Potential changes include:

  • New standards to allow restaurants as permitted uses in certain zoning districts
  • Reduced building size requirements for restaurants in certain zoning districts

Click here for case file information.

Below are materials from the February 20th Planning Commission meeting.

Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled:

  • February 24th - City Council

Recreational Vehicle Ordinance update

On April 1, 2019, the City Council adopted the following ordinance modifying parking and storage standards and approval processes for recreational vehicles.  In 2020, the Planning Commission and City Council will be considering further amendments.  Copies of the draft amendments will be added here once available.

PDF icon Ordinance adopted 04012019

Taprooms and Cocktail Rooms update

Staff is drafting an ordinance to amend the zoning code to allow taprooms, cocktail rooms, and related uses in some commercial zoning districts.  A separate ordinance is also being drafted to amend the licensing code to allow these uses.  More information about the licensing updates are found here:  blm.mn/proposed-code-amendment-alcoholic-beverage-control-2019-09-24. 

Information about the zoning code update is below.

This item was discussed at a previous study meeting, and the staff report is available at the following link:

Public Hearings are tentatively scheduled:

  • March 5th - Planning Commission
  • April 6th - City Council

Completed updates

Contact Information

E-Subscribe

Get email updates about the Zoning Ordinance Project.

Tennessen warning
Please take notice that any data received by the City as the result of submitting this form will be classified as government data pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Under the Data Practices Act, some or all of this data is classified as public data, including your name, address, email address, phone number, and other personal information provided by you. Public data is available to anyone requesting it and consists of all data furnished via this Web form. Please be advised that the correspondence will be added to the public record. The purpose and intended use of the information collected through this form is to obtain public input and data in support of City activities and services. You have the right to refuse to submit this form. If you choose not to submit this form, you will need to contact the City by another means if you wish to provide the information collected by the form.

Nondiscrimination and accommodation commitments
The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Bloomington services, programs, and activities. Upon request, this information can be provided in Braille, large print, audio tape and/or electronic format.