The Bloomington Chamber is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of businesses in the city of Bloomington. In conjunction with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Bloomington Chamber continues to build relationships with community leaders in and around Bloomington enabling the Chamber to serve as a connector between local business associations and decision makers on substantive issues that impact the broader businesses community.

 

Normandale Lake District Area Study

The northwest area of Bloomington along Normandale Boulevard and Bush Lake Road, between I-494 and West 84th Street has experienced considerable residential and commercial office growth and development since 1985. The city is currently conducting a study to consider the variety of land uses in the Normandale Lake District and opportunities for future development and redevelopment in the area.

 

Parking and Loading Standards

Parking and loading standards have been updated. Guiding principles for this subproject addressed safety, sightlines, simplicity and capacity. Important issues included minimum required parking levels by use, flexibility measures, island requirements, pedestrian accommodation, limitations on the number of vehicles allowed to park on single and two-family residences, and residential driveway and parking pad standards. The update effort was assisted by a focus group.

 

France & Old Shakopee Road

The northwest area of Bloomington along Normandale Boulevard and Bush Lake Road, between I-494 and West 84th Street has experienced considerable residential and commercial office growth and development since 1985. A number of previous studies, most notably the October 2, 2000, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Norman Pointe Office project, have looked at balancing land use and transportation factors. The Normandale Lake District Area Study will describe the relationship between new development and redevelopment and the proposed roadway and traffic improvements necessary to accommodate future development.

 

Strategic Planning for 2025

To plan for the City's future, the City Council, Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Port Authority are preparing a Strategic Plan. The plan will define the City's strategy for development, redevelopment, City services, infrastructure, and fiscal strength and stability for the next 20 years. As one of the strategic partners identified by the City, the Bloomington Chamber has been integrally involved in the planning process. Opportunities for member involvement occur on a frequent basis.

 

Zoning Update

The City of Bloomington is undergoing a multi-year effort to update its Zoning Ordinance and related City Code provisions. The current Zoning Ordinance, largely written in the 1950s, has never been comprehensively updated. A total of 28 guiding principles guide the project in the areas of growth, housing, transportation, community vitality, and customer service. The larger project is divided into many smaller subprojects.

Updates in progress

  • Lighting standards
  • Nonconformity standards

Completed updates

  • Commercial zoning districts.
  • Electronic message board and video display signs.
  • Exterior construction
  • Home occupation/business standards.
  • HX-R - Mixed-use zoning district for Airport South.
  • Interim use permits.
  • Landscaping and screening standards.
  • 2006 Miscellaneous issues ordinance.
  • Parking and loading standards.
  • Pawnshop and secondhand goods dealer standards.
  • Runway related airport overlay zoning district.
  • Tree preservation, residential building height and lot width standards.

 

Electronic changeable message sign and video display sign standards

Based on Council member concerns the City’s existing sign regulations do not adequately control the variety of commercially available electronic changeable message signs, particularly in light of the constantly evolving technology, the City Council directed that new standards be created to address changeable message and image signs. Based on input from the City Council and a Focus Group comprised sign industry professionals, staff prepared an ordinance that regulates the operational characteristics of electronic changing message and video display signs. The City Council adopted this ordinance on 10/09/06.

 

Super Target on Normandale Blvd. and Old Shakopee Road

Target has explored the possibility of redeveloping the property currently occupied by a Holiday warehouse at the intersection of Normandale Blvd. and Old Shakopee Road to make way for a new Super Target surrounded by complimentary retail. Target has not yet submitted an application to the City for redevelopment.

The Holiday property is currently designated for "Industrial" use by the Comprehensive Plan, and zoned "IP Industrial Park". Both of these land use controls would have to be amended by the City Council in order for the Super Target development to proceed. Inasmuch as an application has not yet been submitted, the City has not yet analyzed traffic, noise or other issues. The City has asked that Target submit specific information regarding traffic as part of their application. The City has generally not approved retail use applications in the Industrial Park in the past.

If Target does proceed with an application to amend the Comprehensive Plan and rezone the property, a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission followed by consideration by the City Council. You can also periodically check the City's web site calendar, to determine whether a hearing has been scheduled. If Target applies, individuals will have a chance to speak at a public hearing or submit written comments expressing their views.