Bloomington Plan Commission, October 28, 2026

The Bloomington Plan Commission held a public hearing on October 28, 2026, to gather community input related to Indiana House Bill 1001 and housing availability and affordability. Staff described zoning changes already made or underway, including reducing lot-size and setback requirements, increasing permitted impervious-surface coverage, removing citywide minimum parking requirements, and allowing more flexibility for housing and commercial-building reuse. Amendments concerning duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and cottage homes were expected to go before the City Council on November 4. Speakers supported further changes to increase housing options and streamline permitting, while others raised concerns about neighborhood character, loss of lower-cost housing, and increased density. No votes, contract awards, or procurement decisions were identified.

Public comments also cited permitting and development costs: one homeowner reported a seven-month wait for sewer and water installation for a duplex, and a small-business owner estimated about $20,000 in site-compliance costs, including $6,000–$7,000 for required bike racks. A speaker discussed local HUD funding and the Housing Development Fund as tools for financing affordable housing, but the commission took no funding or spending action. The hearing focused on land-use rules and permitting rather than purchasing; no procurement activity was identified.