Page last updated on May 12, 2025 at 12:55 pm
The City of Bloomington Planning & Transportation Department provides a continuity of City government services to support the community’s well-being by offering both remote and in-person services.
When Conducting Business with Planning and Transportation:
- Call first - speak with staff as most inquires can be addressed over the phone. This includes payments, permits, and general questions.
- Email or use standard mail - permits, others forms and materials can easily and safely be emailed or mailed.
- Walk-in service is welcome, but please consider on-line and remote service options we offer.
- Exercise patience - our goal is to provide the best service.
- Permits and Information - access on-line permit applications and annual petition map information at: https://bloomington.in.gov/planning/permits
As Bloomington continues to evolve and change as a community, the City of Bloomington Planning and Transportation Department has a very important mission: To ensure that the elements that make Bloomington special are maintained and enhanced as new development and redevelopment occurs. In order to ensure that our community retains its unique qualities, it is important to proactively plan for the impacts of this future development.
Accomplishing this task requires the Planning and Transportation Department's corps of professional staff to develop long-term plans which address important community issues such as the provision of adequate transportation infrastructure, the development of sidewalk, pathway, and trail networks, and the protection and enhancement of Bloomington's neighborhoods.
In addition to developing these long-term plans, the Planning and Transportation Department must review both permits for construction, as well as development projects requiring public hearing approval. As part of this review, the Planning and Transportation Department strives to ensure that environmental features are protected, buildings exhibit high-quality architecture, and pleasing streetscapes are created.
Most of all, our department works hard to review development projects and create long-term plans in order to protect and enhance Bloomington's great quality of life.
The Planning and Transportation Department is organized into two divisions: Development Services and Planning Services. Development Services provides expertise on zoning and land use questions, reviews development petitions, administers and issues permits, enforces zoning ordinances, and provides policy direction related to environmental protection. Planning Services provides expertise on long-range planning studies and sub-area planning studies for land use and transportation policy, collects, analyzes and disseminates data, assigns addresses and issues permits.
The Planning and Transportation Department provides support to numerous boards and commissions linked at https://bloomington.in.gov/planning/boards. More specific information on Department projects, programs, and services is provided at the links below. If you have any questions, please contact the Planning and Transportation Department at (812) 349-3423, or send an E-mail to Planning@bloomington.in.gov.
Permits and Information
Permits and information from the Planning and Transportation department. Meeting Schedule and Project Deadlines (DRC brochure) for hearing dates and deadlines for the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Hearing Officer, and Plat Committee.
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
The UDO governs land use and development throughout the City of Bloomington planning jurisdiction.
Plans and Studies
Plans and Studies of the Planning and Transportation department
Comprehensive Plan
Information on the comprehensive plan for the City of Bloomington.
Boards and Commissions
Boards and Commissions staffed by the Planning and Transportation department
Voluntary Annexation Map
Properties that meet the minimum contiguity requirements set forth at IC 36-4-3-1.5 have been identified and mapped (link). These properties offer a means to consider extending the City's boundaries and services to help plan for appropriate urban growth. Interested parties should contact the City's Utilities Department at 812-349-3650 to review the feasibility of sanitary sewer extensions to the mapped properties. If the extension is feasible, interested parties will need to coordinate with the City on the steps necessary for voluntary annexation
Bloomington-Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMCMPO)
The BMCMPO is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) that serves the City of Bloomington, the Town of Ellettsville, parts of Monroe County and local transit agencies.
Traffic Calming and Greenways Program
Information on City Traffic Calming and Neighborhood Greenways
City of Bloomington ADU Resource
City of Bloomington's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Resource, your one-stop-shop for information on building an ADU in Bloomington! ADUs are small, self-contained residential units built on the same lot as an existing home. They can provide affordable housing options, additional rental income, and more.
Documents Clearinghouse
A repository of all documents, plans, and studies of the department of Planning and Transportation
Safe Routes to School
Resources for Bloomington's Safe Routes to School Program