Council renews building-code interlocal with Monroe County through 2027; staff to hold quarterly coordination meetings

The Bloomington Common Council unanimously approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with Monroe County that continues joint building-code services and coordination through Jan. 1, 2027.

Corporation Counsel Margie Rice introduced the item and said the agreement is largely the same as prior building interlocals but adds quarterly meetings between city and county staff to improve communication. "This provides a lot of continuity for residents to go to a single building department, whether they are building in the city or the county," Rice said.

David Hittle, director of Planning and Transportation, told council the agreement formalizes already-existing cooperation, explains the operational relationship and updates a few titles. Hittle said the city is running ahead of last year in total permits issued (roughly 654 year-to-date versus 636 in 2023) and noted they work closely with the county's building commissioner, who oversees five county inspectors.

Council members asked whether permit applicants effectively write two checks and whether site inspections remain the city’s responsibility for certain items. Hittle said the permit applicant typically pays the county for the county portion and pays the city for the city portion; site inspections for elements such as landscaping and some site features remain a city responsibility while the county inspects interior building work.

Margie Rice and staff said the county collects and retains its own fees; the county passes the city's fees through the administrative process when the city’s fee applies. Staff also acknowledged challenges integrating different permitting software systems and described ongoing IT work to create better interoperability.

Council adopted Resolution 2024-27 by roll call (8–0). The agreement will go to the county council for its review and signature as part of the usual interlocal process.