Staff proposed reducing the required setback for corner-lot side yards facing a street from 30 feet to 20 feet, and commissioners unanimously supported the change (Option 2) to bring Bloomington in line with peer cities and support infill development. The proposal now heads to a city council study session before returning to the commission in May as a draft ordinance.
After lengthy debate, commissioners largely coalesced around reducing minimum corner-lot width to 70 feet for single-family lots (up from the 60-foot staff baseline discussion) and 90 feet for two-family lots — overriding staff's initial 85-foot recommendation for consistency of math across lot types. Commissioner Cookton also floated eliminating minimum lot-width and lot-area requirements entirely, arguing setbacks alone should govern development, though the majority favored a more measured approach.
On lot area, commissioners split on options but a majority (including a self-identified corner-lot resident, Commissioner Summers, who cited neighborhood character) leaned toward roughly 9,100 sq ft for single-family corner lots (Option 2) rather than fully matching the 7,800 sq ft interior standard, while for two-family lots the group favored matching the interior standard of 11,700 sq ft.
Commissioners agreed to recommend allowing accessory structures (sheds, gazebos, detached garages) to be built in the side yard between a house and the street on corner lots, with a 20-foot setback, reversing the current rule that pushes such structures behind the home. Staff had recommended against this change but will incorporate the commission's direction into a future draft ordinance.
Staff previewed the multi-year 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, including a planned community engagement launch in May (open houses, farmers markets, Pride and Juneteenth events) and creation of a community advisory council. Commissioner Cookton pushed back on including city council members or planning commissioners on that council, arguing it should be independent so residents don't feel directed by officials.
The commission approved the February 19, 2026 meeting minutes on a 4-0 vote with three members abstaining because they were absent for all or part of that meeting.
Staff previewed three upcoming meetings: an April 2 hearing on a conditional use permit for cannabis manufacturing at 333 West 86th Street and a proposed city code amendment on wireless communication towers at places of assembly; and an April 23 hearing on rezoning 8030 Old Cedar Avenue South from FD-2 to B-1 to accommodate a retail tenant.
