The Bloomington City Council approved changes to small business codes and processes during its June 2 meeting, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers for entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

The ordinance modifications include reducing odor mitigation requirements from 250 feet to 150 feet for restaurants, creating additional parking flexibility for buildings under 10,000 square feet, and allowing painted exterior surfaces on brick and stucco buildings. The council also approved changes to exterior building material ratios, reducing the required primary materials from 85% to 65% of building facades.

The changes came after extensive review by the Planning Commission and input from local architects who indicated Bloomington's standards were more restrictive than surrounding communities. Planning Superintendent Dakota Cassidy explained the modifications would help streamline development review processes while maintaining building quality standards.

Council members debated the exterior material ratio changes, with some supporting increased flexibility for small businesses while others preferred maintaining higher aesthetic standards. The final vote was 5-2, with Mayor Tim Bussey and Councilmember Lowman opposing the ratio changes.

The council also conducted public hearings on two charter amendments related to initiative, referendum and recall procedures, and changing the title of assistant city manager to deputy city manager. Both charter amendments passed unanimously and will take effect after a 90-day publication period.