Bloomington Planning Commission Backs Overhaul of Multifamily Housing Standards
Proposed code amendments would trim open space requirements, end bonus credits for private balconies and offer reductions for developments near public parks.
The Bloomington Planning Commission advanced a package of amendments to the city's multifamily residential standards, recommending changes to street-side setbacks, on-site storage requirements and usable open space rules in the city's RM24, RM50 and RM100 zoning districts. The item was approved on a 7-0 vote.
Planner Ramler Olsen outlined the proposal for commissioners during the public hearing in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, describing several distinct standards under review.
So, uh there are several standards up for consideration. Um the first one is going to relate to streetside setbacks for structures in multifamily districts RM24, RM50 to match those within uh RM 100. Um and the second item will be requirements for on-site storage units in multifamily developments and mixed-use developments with a multifamily component. Um the third item is going to be related to usable open space requirements.
Open space rules reworked
The most substantive changes concern usable open space. Under the proposal, bonus area credits currently granted for private balconies and porches would be eliminated, and the minimum usable open space requirement in the RM24, RM50 and RM100 districts would be lowered.
Um, the first one is to eliminate the bonus area credits from private balconies and porches. The second change is to lower the uh minimum usable open space for development within the RM24, RM50 and RM100 districts so that each dwelling unit only needs to be 200 square feet of usable open space provided per dwelling unit.
A third change would create a new allowance in city code permitting developments located near a public park to provide less on-site open space.
Other Topics from This Document
Opportunity Housing Ordinance (OHO) Updates
2027 Draft Planning Commission Work Plan
APA Minnesota Chapter Conference Reflections
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