Up to code: Keeping Bloomington at its best

Parking

Vehicles must be parked in the garage or on an approved driveway.

Unlicensed or inoperable vehicles must be stored in the garage. This includes vehicles with expired tabs.

No more than four vehicles may be parked outside of a garage, excluding visitors.

Trailers that exceed six feet in height or have a bed length of more than eight feet six inches cannot be stored outside of the garage. One trailer under this size may be stored outside, no closer than five feet to side yard property lines. A utility trailer may also be parked in the driveway if it is at least 30 feet back from the street.

Nonresidential vehicles taller than seven feet six inches or longer than 22 feet cannot park in residential areas.

Recreational vehicles

All recreational vehicles parked or stored near a dwelling must be owned or leased by an occupant of that dwelling. Guests may park recreational vehicles on a driveway for a period not exceeding seven days in any consecutive six-month period, provided all other standards are met.

Any recreational vehicle less than 40 feet in length may be temporarily parked in the driveway for the sole purpose of loading or unloading and routine maintenance for a period not exceeding 72 hours within seven consecutive days.

If the recreational vehicle extends more than eight feet in front of the dwelling it must meet the following additional standards:

• Must be set back at least five feet from any property line, at least ten feet from any sidewalk, and at least 20 feet from the back side of any street curb or edge of pavement.

• Must not exceed 11 feet in height at any point.

• Must not exceed 25 feet in length, including trailers.

• Must be parked or stored no more than 30 feet closer to the street than the principal building on the same site.

• Must be parked or stored on a conforming or legally nonconforming driveway or off-drive parking area.

Recreational vehicles parked at homes that are on corner lots have additional requirements. Some recreational vehicles also have seasonal requirements depending on the type. A permit is not required to store recreational vehicles in compliance with the City code. Many properties are unique. If you are unsure about a requirement, please call 952-563-8920 or email City staff at planning@BloomingtonMN.gov
for clarification.

Home maintenance and outdoor storage

Store materials, machinery and equipment in a building or fully screened area so they are not visible from adjoining or adjacent lands. Home exteriors must be maintained free from peeling, chipping and other deterioration. This includes siding, windows, trim, roof, doors, driveways, sheds and fences.

The size and location of firewood stacks are also regulated by City code.

Refuse, litter and weeds

When tall grass inspections begin, grass must be cut before it reaches eight inches in height and before it goes to seed. All noxious weeds must be removed. All twigs, tree and shrub branches that fall in the yard must be removed immediately or stored in an enclosed container. Brush piles are not allowed on residential properties.

Garbage must be stored within a building or an enclosed container.

All refuse, recycling, compost, twigs and brush should be placed at the assigned collection location no more than 12 hours before collection day. Waste containers must be removed no more than 12 hours after collection day. Garbage and recycling containers for single-family, detached homes must be set back 30 feet from any four-season living area other than the owner’s. Garbage and recycling containers cannot be stored more than five feet in front of the principal building along any public right of way.

Home businesses

Certain businesses are prohibited in residential zones, including manufacturing, vehicle repair and retail where customers come to the house. Home businesses are separated into two types: Type 1 businesses include beauty shops, tutoring and piano instruction, but these have limits on the number of daily customers allowed. Type 2 businesses require Council approval.

Other City codes

This is not a complete list of City codes. To read all City codes, visit blm.mn/code.

Notice an issue?

Let us know if a neighborhood property is becoming an issue. To report a nuisance or ordinance violation, call Environmental Health at 952-563-8934 or email envhealth@BloomingtonMN.gov.