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Related links: |
Planning FAQsPlanning Division procedures
Residential property
Sign placement and usage
Planning Division proceduresWhat is a Conditional Use Permit?A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a permit acquired from the Planning Division which allows for property to be used in a way that may not necessarily be zoned or otherwise allowed for in the City Code. CUPs are attached to the land rather than the use. Hotels, for example, may be required to obtain a CUP when locating in an I-3 zoning district. In order to receive a CUP, property owners must submit a written application. Only the City Council may grant CUPs, and only after a public hearing has been held. Applicants for CUPs are required to attend hearings to present their applications. The CUP process takes from four to eight weeks, depending on when the required public hearing is held. Whether you are a home occupation or an international business looking for a place to settle in Bloomington, you should contact Planning Division staff to find out the requirements for your intended location. Check out Section 19.22 of the City Code for more information on Conditional Use Permits.
What is a variance?The City Code establishes standards for most types of development which commonly occur in Bloomington. These standards regulate where buildings, yards, parking lots, driveways, signs, and lighting may be placed on properties, minimum and maximum sizes, height, potential effects on adjacent properties, and aesthetics.The regulations, primarily in the Zoning Ordinance, are written in a general manner, and, in most instances, apply to all properties equally. City ordinance provides relief from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance in unusual circumstances. The process used to grant relief from strict requirements of the City Code is called the variance process. In order to receive a variance, property owners must submit a development application, a recently completed lot survey, and a written narrative. Only the City Council may grant variances, and only after a public hearing has been held. Applicants for variances are required to attend hearings to present their applications. The variance process takes from three to eight weeks, depending on when the required (Planning Commission vs. Hearing Examiner) public hearing is held.
How do I file Final Site and Building Plans for my project?Final site and building plans are generally approved by the City Council prior to the issuance of any permit for development. City staff must first review all final site and building plans and make recommendation for any changes administratively or to the Planning Commission. Additional development standards may be added by condition to assure that the proposed development is compatible with adjacent land uses. Check out Section 19.40.12 of the City Code for more information on Final Site and Building Plans.
What is a Zoning Letter? What information will be provided to me if I request one? Is there a guarantee for the accuracy of information provided?A Zoning Letter informs a potential buyer on what can and cannot be done with a particular property based on the current zoning and property past history. Depending on the information required, a Zoning Letter can provide information on legal land uses, zoning, FIRM information, zoning district performance standards, development history, and compliance. A Zoning Letter is valid for six months from the date of issuance. The cost of a zoning letter for the City of Bloomington is $85; turnaround time is dependent upon staff work load but is generally between one to three weeks. City staff will research all information as accurately as possible based on or relating to the information on file with the City but the City assumes no liability for errors or omissions. All information is obtained from public records which may be inspected during regular business hours. To request a zoning letter you may mail a check and letter of request to:
Planning Division How can I find development standards applicable to my project in order to comply with the City Code?Planning staff is always available to help you determine any setback, parking or other standard or special requirements for your property. You can contact us by phone at 952-563-8920, by e-mail (planning@ci.bloomington.mn.us), or by stopping by the Planning Division Monday through Friday 8 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Residential propertyI want to put an addition/deck/garage on my home. Do I need a permit? What steps do I have to take?Section 19.50.02 and Section 19.27 of the City Code regulate for the number, size, location and appearance of all buildings accessory to and detached from principal buildings within the City. These regulations generally apply to all detached structures, including but not limited to garages, carports, storage buildings, gazebos, screen houses, sheds, play houses and similar structures. Covered but open porches are goverened by Section 19.08 (scroll down to (d)(14)). Information and regulations for additions to your house, decks, and fences can all be obtained online by clicking on the highlighted areas of interest. Where can I store my firewood?Section 19.50.01 of the City Code regulates for the storage of firewood. Firewood must be stored in stacks, not to exceed six feet, be kept a minimum of eight inches above the ground, 15 feet away from property lines, and out of the front yard. Following these regulations will help maintain a safe and orderly City. Can I expand my driveway using rock or gravel instead of asphalt?Driveway areas used for the parking of vehicles are generally required by the City to be asphalt, Portland cement concrete, bituminous concrete, blacktop or equivalent paving. Exceptions may be made when parking RV’s, boats, or trailers, but approval for exceptions must be acquired through the Division of Planning. A permit is generally required for driveway expansion. See Sections 17.13 and 21.301.06 of the City Code for further information. I have a business in my home. Do I need a permit?The City of Bloomington allows a variety of home occupations as permitted accessory uses via Section 19.27(c) of the City Code. However, Retail, manufacturing, or repair, are generally not permissible. To learn about permitted uses and home occupation/business performance standards, see Section 19.63.09 of the City Code. Can I store materials or equipment in my back yard?No. All materials or equipment must be kept from weathering, must be maintained in an orderly fashion and adequately screened. For more information on how to store equipment and materials, go to Section 19.52 of the City Code. Where can I store my boat/ trailer/ RV?The City has determined that excessively large vehicles or an excessive number of vehicles at one house has a negative effect on the residential quality of neighborhoods. Section 19.50.03 of the City Code provides a clear and balanced set of rules for the parking, storage and number of recreational vehicles. Can I park my truck on my lot?Motor vehicle classification and regulations are contained in Section 19.45 of the Code for Non-residential vehicles. How do I find my property lines?Property lines may be located by: 1) contacting the City Planning Division to determine whether the City may have survey information for your property, 2) finding your "corner pins" and measuring the distance between them (if you have some idea of where your lot lines are), or 3) contacting a surveyor. A survey is required for exact placement and for all variance requests. How do I get setback information for my property?Most setback information is contained in Section 19.41 of the City Code. Generally speaking, all single-family residential properties must be setback at least 30 feet from the front yard lot line, 30 feet back from the rear yard lot line, and 10 feet back from the side lot lines. Side yards adjacent to a street frontage generally must have a 30 foot yard. Front, side, and rear setbacks are determined by house placement and kept on file by the Planning Division. How do I get zoning information for my property?The current zoning map (700KB, PDF) and our interactive zoning tool are available online. Zoning maps are also available for purchase. You may also call the Planning Division for more information. Sign placement and usageWhere can I place a sign?Signs can be placed in many locations throughout the City of Bloomington. All signs must be placed within the property on which the advertised use is located. To find out whether the placement of your sign is legal, check out the following links: When do I need to get a sign permit?Generally, all Business signs require a Sign Permit before installation. The permit fee is listed in Section 14.03. Some signs are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a sign permit and from the payment of a permit fee including construction signs less than 32 square feet, garage sale signs less than six square feet, home improvement signs, home security signs, interior signs, and special temporary signs to announce employment. If you are unsure whether or not the type, size or placement of your sign may be in violation of the City Code, please contact the Planning staff at 952-563-8920. What is the process for acquiring a sign permit?Sign permit applications are available through the Planning Divsion or may be downloaded by the link provided. Note: the City does not accept faxed or emailed applications. All signatures must be original. Once the sign permit application has been filled out properly, they may be turned in or sent, along with a site plan including proposed placement, elevation measurements, setback measurements, diagram for connection, and a listing of all materials to the Planning Division. Once Planning receives a sign permit application package, it is reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Once approved, Planning will contact the applicant when the proper fees have been assessed. What kind of paperwork do I include with my sign permit?The required paperwork will depend on the type of sign proposed. Necessary documentation may include scaled drawings, elevation measurements, lettering measurements, and setback information. If the sign is proposed for a property with a Uniform Sign Design, extra documentation may be necessary. How much does a sign permit cost?The cost of a sign permit varies but, generally speaking, the cost is $2.75 per square foot of sign face with a minimum permit fee of $50. (See Section 19.107(c) for computation of sign face.) What is a Uniform Sign Design (USD)?A USD is a written and graphical document which sets forth criteria for all signs on a specific site. The provisions of the City Code are general, while the USD specifies the signage allowed by the Code as it applies to a particular building or project. It does not offer more flexibility than is allowed in the City Code and may even be more restrictive. Most multi-tenant and commercially leased buildings require a USD. In addition, some Uses also require a USD including gas stations. Where can I get a copy of a property’s USD?Planning currently has copies of all approved USDs. Please contact Planning if you are looking for a specific USD. For more information, contact:
Planning Division
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