Council re-initiates UDO amendment on affordability incentives after plan commission missed deadline

The Bloomington Common Council on Sept. 30 voted unanimously to reinitiate a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (Title 20) that seeks changes to affordability‑incentive qualifying standards for planned unit developments.

Councilmember Stosberg, sponsor of Resolution 20‑25‑17, told the council the plan commission initially heard an earlier proposal but failed to vote on a recommendation within the deadline required by state law. "We mishandled this twice," Planning and Transportation Director David Huddl told the council, acknowledging staff error and saying safeguards were put in place to prevent a repeat.

The resolution restates language from Resolution 20‑25‑10 (adopted July 16) and directs the Plan Commission to prepare amendments to Chapter 20.04.11 and 20.02 0.04 of the UDO to change affordable housing incentive qualifying standards for PUDs. The clerk read the resolution and the council moved and approved the reinitiation; the vote was recorded as 7‑0.

Councilmembers asked for clarity about the delay. Stosberg said plan‑commission members had already requested presentations and information on affordability tools and that the amendments should now proceed. Huddl said the department had missed internal steps in tracking the proposal and had established new checks and clarified responsibilities to ensure the plan commission would act this time.

Attorney advice and public comment were offered but no public members spoke on the resolution. The resolution directs the plan commission to prepare and return a recommendation to council under the statutory timeline for text amendments. The council adopted Resolution 20‑25‑17 by roll call vote.