Understanding the Proposed Zoning Changes in Bloomington

You may have recently received a letter in the mail from the City of Bloomington about proposed zoning changes. We’re following up to explain what it means and invite you to stay engaged as the process moves forward.

Why did I get a letter?

Every so often, the City proposes updates to our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)—that’s our rulebook for how land is used in Bloomington. It includes what can be built, where, and under what conditions.

Whenever we suggest changes to the Allowed Use Table (a chart that outlines what types of development are permitted in each zoning district), we’re legally required to notify affected property owners. Because this update includes such a large number of properties, we took the extra step of notifying every property owner in Bloomington. Even if your property isn’t affected directly, you are part of Bloomington, so we invite you to be part of the process.

What is changing?

There are a handful of proposed updates—some of which are City staff-initiated, others that City Council requested. These updates are, currently, scheduled to be heard at the Plan Commission meeting on Monday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and on Zoom. The discussion may be continued at future meetings, depending on how things progress. After the Plan Commission process is finished, the updates will be sent to the City Council for further review and another public hearing.

The two proposals we believe residents may be most curious about based on feedback are:

Urban Agriculture (ZO-18-25)

This amendment would add a new use to our zoning code: urban agriculture, commercial. That means small, local farming operations, like market gardens, could legally grow and sell produce from more places around town for more parts of the year and offer onsite gardening education programs. This change is being suggested to respond to the increasing interest in sustainable, local food and neighborhood-scale agriculture.

This proposal was time-sensitive due to a legal agreement with a national nonprofit organization, which worked with the City’s Legal and Planning & Transportation department to ensure Bloomington clarified its rules. We’re now making good on that agreement.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) (ZO-03-25)

This change would replace the old “rooming house” use category with a more clearly defined one: Single Room Occupancy, or SRO for short.

SROs are typically buildings featuring modestly-scaled, affordable units that offer individual bedrooms (often with shared kitchens or shared bathrooms). These units may be especially helpful for people who might not need—or are able to afford—a full conventional apartment or home on their own.

As you know, housing is a big topic in our community. Last year, Mayor Kerry Thomson brought together local housing experts and housing service providers to develop a community-led Housing Action Plan. One of the plan’s key goals is to increase the number of units available under $500/month. This SRO proposal is a step in that direction.

What else is on the list?

Other proposals include updates where the following uses are allowed:

• Self-storage facilities
• Artist studios and offices in the student housing zone
• Fraternity/sorority housing
• Vehicle fuel stations and car washes
• Tattoo or piercing parlors

What happens next?

• July 14, 2025: Public hearing currently scheduled for the Plan Commission, with the option to continue the conversation at later meetings if needed. You’re welcome to attend in person at City Hall (401 N. Morton Street, Room #115) or join via Zoom:
  Meeting ID: 823 6234 0978 | Passcode: 622209
• Later this summer, amendments go to the City Council for final consideration and another opportunity for public input.

Why this matters

Even if these updates don’t impact your neighborhood, they shape the future of housing, food systems, and communities across Bloomington. When you understand the process and share your voice, you help co-create what Bloomington becomes.

Thanks for staying curious and involved. We will keep working to make city government a little less mysterious and much easier to participate in.

City of Bloomington