The following is a press release written by Desiree DeMolina for the City of Bloomington.
Bloomington, Ind. – Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the City of Bloomington Planning and Transportation Department will have a new permitting process for Class 2 structures and any accessory structures on lots with these structures. Class 2 structures include detached and attached single-family homes, duplexes, and most townhouses, while accessory structures include buildings such as garages, carports, and storage buildings.
The changes are being implemented to comply with House Enrolled Act 1005, a state law passed in 2025 aimed at expediting the review and permitting process for Class 2 structures. The law also allows for third-party review of building permits and their associated required permits, such as Certificates of Zoning Compliance (CZC).
“New state mandates can be tricky to absorb into existing local processes, but we're hopeful our implementation of these requirements will ultimately result in speedier and more flexible permit reviews,” said David Hittle, Planning and Transportation Director. “As we roll out these changes, we're also thankful for a positive working relationship with the city and county agencies for their assistance on this project.”
The Planning and Transportation Department has coordinated with the Monroe County Building and Planning departments, as well as the City’s Information & Technology Services (ITS) Department, to implement this rollout. Once the changes go into effect, applicants for Class 2 structures will begin the permitting process with the City of Bloomington instead of the Monroe County Building Department.
Applicants must have approval from City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU), as well as the Historic Preservation Commission in some cases, before they can apply for the required CZC with the Planning and Transportation Department. A Class 2 structure application to the Monroe County Building Department can only be submitted after a CZC is issued.
Also beginning Jan. 1, CZC applications for these specially regulated structures will be submitted online through the City of Bloomington’s CivicAccess portal. Permitting for all other structures regulated by the Building Department will continue to begin with that Department.
Planners will be ready to answer questions about the process changes, both via email at planning@bloomington.in.gov and phone at 812-349-3423. Visit bloomington.in.gov/planning/permits to review more information about the upcoming process changes.
