March 27, 2025 Bloomington Planning Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Sign Code One-Year Lookback Ordinance

Co-Living Standards Ordinance Amendments

Areas of Interest (5)

Bloomington revisits 2024 Sign Code overhaul after industry pushback and public feedback.
City moves to regulate co-living to address 30% AMI housing gap, citing potential for greater inclusivity.
Tensions remain over 'Sober Homes' regulation as city attorneys await potential state legislation to aid local enforcement.
Clear Channel Outdoor unsuccessfully lobbied to reduce electronic billboard dwell times from 20 seconds to 8 seconds.
Commissioners weigh the balance of economic incentives against development requirements in the new co-living ordinance.

Votes (2)

Close the public hearing for Sign Code Amendment

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Not Specified · Seconded by Not Specified

Recommend City Council adopt ordinance amending Sign Code

PassedUnanimous

Moved by Commissioner Mcgovern · Seconded by Not Specified

Notable Quotes (2)

There's no right to do it right now. So I don't think there would be a legally nonconforming right to keep it there since there being no clearly established allowance for it in code right now.
— Nick Johnson

Sign Code AmendmentResponding to questions about grandfathering signs on residential fences.

There is some legislation this year that is attempting to get their hands around the problem of sober homes because cities don't really know when they come into existence or when they're operating in the city.
— Kevin Tusk

Residential Care FacilitiesDiscussing the difficulty of regulating sober homes without state licensing requirements.

People (7)

AlbrechtChair

Facilitated the meeting, led discussions on sign and co-living ordinances.

Nick JohnsonPlanning Manager

Presented the sign code lookback report and explained policy changes.

1 quote

“There's no right to do it [signs on residential fences] right now. So I don't think there would be a legally nonconforming right to keep it there since there being no clearly established allowance for it in code right now.”

Regarding existing signs on residential fences.

Commissioner LisaCommissioner

Asked clarifying questions regarding sign prohibitions on residential fences.

Kevin TuskCity Attorney

Provided legal interpretation on residential fence signage and sober homes legislation.

Planner AspectPlanner

Presented the co-living standards ordinance and timeline.

Commissioner WhiteCommissioner

Inquired about bathroom requirements in co-living facilities.

Commissioner IssaCommissioner

Asked about incentive structures and red tape in city ordinances.

Places Mentioned

Bloomington City ChambersMall of America (Regional Tourism/Entertainment District)McDonald's (Sign example)

Events & Meetings (3)

March 27, 2025 - Bloomington Planning Commission Meeting
January 30, 2025 - Planning Commission Study Session
April 28, 2025 - Upcoming City Council Meeting

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

Sign Code Amendment (1-Year Lookback)

Updates to sign code including definitions, roof sign height, residential fence signage, and directional sign sizes.

Co-Living Standards Ordinance

Establishes definitions and standards for co-living, increases occupancy for non-related persons, and modifies residential care facilities.

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