The Bloomington Planning Commission voted 6-1 Thursday to recommend City Council approval of Phase I Missing Middle Housing ordinance amendments designed to reduce barriers to housing creation.

The changes focus on accessory dwelling units, two-family dwellings and townhomes. Key modifications include allowing both ADU and main dwelling units to be rented without requiring owner occupancy, reducing ADU rear yard setbacks from 30 to 15 feet, and increasing maximum ADU size from 960 to 1,000 square feet. The ordinance also removes proportional size requirements that have created complications for residents seeking ADU permits.

For two-family dwellings, the commission approved reducing minimum site sizes and allowing detached garages. Townhome standards would be relaxed to allow garages to align with building facades rather than requiring four-foot setbacks.

City Planner Nick Johnson said the changes represent consensus among the Planning Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority and City Council from previous study sessions. The amendments address existing housing types in city code, with a second phase covering triplexes and fourplexes planned for later this year.

Public testimony included concerns about rental property management and enforcement. Commissioner Curry cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about ADUs in front yards and fully rental properties. The ordinance advances to City Council consideration on May 5.