Generally, the City of Bloomington Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) allows outdoor lighting that complies with standards in UDO section 20.04.090, which establishes limitations on light trespass and other standards. For signs, UDO section 20.04.100 allows internally illuminated signs in the mixed-use zoning distrits, subject to various size standards. These illuminated signs must comply with the outdoor lighting standards. Internally illuninated signs are not allowed in residential zoning districts. Regarding the specific addresses mentioned, the residential building at 650 North College Avenue (branded as The Bentley) is located in the Mixed-Use Downtown (MD) zoning district, and received sign permit C21-344 on June 30, 2021 for the sign on the corner of the building. The property owner received a notice of violation on December 21, 2021 for "flashing or blinking lights as it changes color". The property resolved this compliant by altering the lighting so that changes in color and intensity change in time increments of no less than 20 seconds, as allowed by the UDO. Meanwhile, the residential building at 916 North College Avenue (branded as 3 Square) is also located in a mixed-use district, specifically the Mixed-Use Medium Scale (MM) zoning district.

There are lighting standards and signage standards across the city that vary by zoning district, use, etc. so depending on reported location and use (or adjacent use), the standards vary so there is no blanket answer for that question. If you would like to discuss the standards in depth, please contact Planning to speak with a Planner on Duty (POD) at 812-349-3423. The specific complaint we can respond to here is in regard to the permanent sign at the Bentley property. Gabriel, can you take a look at the permanent sign standards and past permits for this property? Thanks!