Planning Commission Approves Rainbow Play Systems Rezoning
The Bloomington Planning Commission unanimously approved recommendations Thursday to rezone Rainbow Midwest Play Systems' property at 900 W 80th Street, allowing the indoor recreation business to continue operating legally after 26 years.
The commission voted to recommend the City Council change the property's zoning from Industrial (I-3) to General Commercial (B-2) and amend the comprehensive plan from Industrial to Community Commercial. The business, owned by John Meyer, has operated since 1998 but was recently found to be violating zoning requirements for its indoor play area used for birthday parties and private sessions.
City Planner Karsten Day explained that the Fire Prevention Division notified planning staff in September about life safety concerns with the indoor play park operating in the business's showroom. Staff determined the original 1998 conditional use permit only allowed retail sales of outdoor play equipment, not indoor recreation activities.
The business has operated in its existence since October of 1998," Meyer told the commission. "It wasn't until September of this year that we did receive notice that unfortunately due to the zoning requirement that we are in violation of that.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the rezoning recommendations March 17. As conditions of approval, Rainbow Midwest must remove outdoor playground equipment displays and restripe its parking lot to 90-degree configuration by March 7.
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Full analysis
Areas of Interest (4)
- Bloomington Planning Commission grants rezoning to resolve 26-year non-conforming business use at Rainbow Midwest.
- City staff clarifies distinction between 'guiding' (future land use) and 'zoning' (current legal performance standards).
- New Planning Manager Johnson debuts, signaling upcoming major mixed-use development at 4100 West 78th Street.
- Fire code compliance and zoning enforcement triggers shift in city policy for indoor recreational play spaces.
Votes (3)
Close the public hearing for 900 West 80th Street
Moved by Not stated · Seconded by Not stated
Recommend City Council approve Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 900 West 80th Street
Moved by Commissioner Mcgovern · Seconded by Not stated
Recommend City Council approve ordinance rezoning 900 West 80th Street to B2
Moved by Commissioner Mcgovern · Seconded by Not stated
Notable Quotes (2)
The applicant is wanting to operate a use that's not currently permitted in the A3 zoning district.
We just want to continue to operate as we always have.
People (4)
Karsten DayPlannerProvided staff report on Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning for 900 West 80th Street.
Provided staff report on Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning for 900 West 80th Street.
John MeyerApplicantRepresentative of Rainbow Midwest seeking rezoning to align with business operations.
1 quote
Representative of Rainbow Midwest seeking rezoning to align with business operations.
“The business of Rainbow Midwest has been there for the last 26 years.”
Establishment of business presence in Bloomington.
JohnsonPlanning ManagerFirst meeting as Planning Manager; provided updates on future agenda items.
First meeting as Planning Manager; provided updates on future agenda items.
AlbrechtChairLed the Planning Commission meeting and conducted roll call votes.
Led the Planning Commission meeting and conducted roll call votes.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (5)
- February 13, 2025: Bloomington Planning Commission Meeting
- March 17, 2025: City Council meeting (Public Hearing for 900 West 80th Street)
- February 20, 2025: Scheduled Planning Commission Study Session
- March 6, 2025: Scheduled Planning Commission Meeting (Status pending)
- March 20, 2025: Scheduled Planning Commission Meeting
Ordinances & Resolutions (1)
Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning for 900 West 80th Street
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 900 West 80th Street
Rezoning of 900 West 80th Street from I3 to B2
Compliance of Indoor Play Park at Rainbow Midwest
Review of draft January 30th Planning Commission meeting synopsis
Planning Commission policy and issues update
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