Bloomington Council tentatively backs code changes to ease small-business burdens — parking, materials, grease, odor and refuse under review

Bloomington City Council members on Monday reviewed a package of proposed changes to zoning and building rules aimed at lowering costs and regulatory barriers for small businesses, giving staff general support to refine several measures and return with an ordinance and public hearing schedule.

Planning staff led the study, outlining specific recommendations that ranged from parking flexibility for small commercial and industrial sites to clarifying exterior material rules and rules for refuse storage. Planning Division manager Nick Johnson said the project flows from the council’s 2024 direction to make it easier to start and operate businesses in Bloomington while balancing public health, safety and welfare.

The council and planning commission signaled tentative approval for multiple staff proposals. Most notably, staff proposed a by‑right 25% reduction in off‑street parking requirements for commercial and industrial buildings of 10,000 square feet or less on constrained sites where the city engineer finds no traffic‑safety concern. Johnson said that small reductions “may be the difference” that allows a prospective tenant to use an older building with limited parking.

Staff also recommended…