Top 10 City Code violations

All vehicles must be parked on driveways or in garages. No vehicles may be parked on the lawn, even if in a fenced back yard. Adding parking areas onto your driveway with gravel, class five, or landscaping rock is not allowed. The only approved new driveway surfaces are asphalt, concrete, or pavers. All must be installed under a permit.

For more information, see  City Code Section 21.301.06   

All vehicles outside must be currently licensed and operable. Vehicles without license plates or current tabs and vehicles on blocks or without key components may be posted for towing. These vehicles may not be parked in back yards, even if fenced. Store abandoned vehicles in a garage.

For more information, see City Code Section 8.16

No more than four vehicles belonging to residents of a property may be parked or stored outside. It does not matter how many people live at a property or if the vehicles are parked on the street, four is the limit. This regulation excludes visitors.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.301.06

One small utility trailer may be stored outside on a property. Large trailers, taller than 6 feet or longer than 8 feet 6 inches, must be stored in a garage.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.301.06 

 The City of Bloomington code regulates the size, number and location of recreational vehicles. For more information contact the Environmental Health Division.

Vehicles that are very large or non-residential such as bobcats, semis and dump trucks may not be parked or stored in residential areas. The only exceptions are if the vehicle is rendering a service (i.e. delivering a couch) or over lunch time (11:00-1:00). For a complete list of prohibited vehicles see the city code section below.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.301.06 

There are limited types of materials, machinery and equipment that may be stored outside in Bloomington. Approved items include grills, toys, lawn furniture, and materials currently being used for construction. All other items must be stored inside a garage or fully screened behind a privacy fence. Note: Items that are refuse (i.e. garbage and tires) must be stored to meet that code.

Firewood includes cord wood but not brush. Firewood must be neatly stacked and at least ten feet from property lines. Large quantities may need to be screened with a privacy fence so they are not visible.

Handout for storing firewood on a residential property:

For more information, see City Code Sections 10.57 

Paint that is deteriorating or peeling on exterior surfaces must be removed and the areas repainted this includes fascia, soffits, trim, siding, sheds and fences. All exterior wooden surfaces besides decay resistant woods must be painted, treated or covered.

Adoption of the Minnesota State Building Code and International Building Codes.  The City of Bloomington maintains copies for reference.

The exterior of homes must be kept in good condition. Rotten fascia/doors/windows/fences/etc. must be repaired or replaced. No items may be in visible disrepair. This includes but is not limited to homes, garages, roofs, sheds and driveways.

Adoption of the Minnesota State Building Code and International Building Codes.  The City of Bloomington maintains copies for reference.

All homes must have 4 inch tall house numbers attached to them which are visible from the street. This is for your safety to assist emergency personnel in locating your home.

Adoption of the Minnesota State Building Code and International Building Codes.  The City of Bloomington maintains copies for reference.

Refuse is garbage, trash, tires, batteries, appliances, furniture, car parts and any other materials that are no longer used. Refuse must be stored in an enclosed container. Enclosed and maintained compost piles are not considered refuse but they must be at least 10 feet away from property lines.

For more information, see City Code Section 10.05  

Garbage cans can be stored outside, but no more than five feet in front of a house. Also, they must be at least 30 feet from other homes. Garbage cans may be set out at the curb 12 hours before collection and must be taken back to the house 12 hours afterwards.

For more information, see City Code Section 10.06.02 

Curbside Cleanup information on our website

South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Dropoff Center

Recycling and solid waste disposal

Weeds and grass may not be taller than 8 inches. When a notice to destroy weeds is issued homeowners are given seven (7) days to cut the grass. If it is not cut upon re-inspection the City’s contracted company will be hired. The cost of mowing will be assessed to the property’s taxes.

For more information, see City Code Sections 10.38 and 10.39 

Weeds on the state’s noxious weed list must be eradicated. Canadian thistle and poison ivy are included on the list. Dandelions are not considered a noxious weed and the City does not regulate their growth.

University of Minnesota Extension's Noxious Weed List

Native areas are allowed so long as they meet certain regulations: They cannot be more than 50% of the yard, must be set back 5 feet from property lines, be within a defined landscaped area and must be cut down annually.

For more information, see City Code Sections 10.38

Brush piles are not allowed and brush is not considered firewood. Brush is defined as parts of plants, not limited to twigs, tree and shrub branches.  Brush, if kept must be stored in enclosed container like a garbage can. When a notice to remove brush is issued, the homeowner is given 10 days to remove or properly store it. If the brush remains, the City’s contracted company will remove it. The cost of removal will be assessed to the property’s taxes.

For more information, see City Code Sections 10.38 and 10.39 

Many home enterprises are prohibited. Examples include car repair, manufacturing, retail sales and taxidermy shops. For a complete list, consult the link below.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.302.13 

Some home enterprises may be permitted, provided they meet the performance standards. They include home offices and licensed massage therapy. For a complete list, consult the link below.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.302.13

Home enterprises that are allowed must meet certain performance standards. The purpose is to keep neighborhoods residential and prevent home enterprises from being a nuisance to neighbors. For a complete list of performance standards, consult the link below.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.302.13

Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. During this time, loud noises such as chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers and snow blowers are prohibited. For noise issues outside of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., contact the Police Department.

For more information, see City Code Sections 10.29.02 and City Code Section 10.30 

In residential neighborhoods exterior lighting must be installed so it does not light up neighboring properties.

For more information, see City Code Section 21.301.07 (c)(9) 

Exterior lighting information sheet (design, output, shielding)

Environmental Health investigates many complaints of unsanitary and cluttered living conditions in residential homes each year. Cluttered homes which restrict access to windows and doors may pose a health and safety risk to both residents and emergency responders. If you are concerned that someone you know is living in these conditions please call us for more information.

For more information, see City Code Section 12.03 (24) - (27) 

Trash must be picked up weekly and stored in a closed garbage container while awaiting pickup. Recently vacated homes may have items left behind. Contact Environmental Health so that the problem may be investigated and the owner notified. After notification the City can have the refuse removed.

For more information, see City Code Section 10.05 and Section 12.03 (21)