Class 2 Requirements from Housing and Neighborhood Development

As of January 1, 2026 confirmation of compliance with the Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program is not required in advance of obtaining a Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC). However, if applicable, in order to secure a Certificate of Zoning Compliance you must obtain Historic Preservation approval. 

Historic Preservation

Applications located in local historic districts will need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness before applying for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. 

Properties listed as Contributing, Notable, or Outstanding on the Bloomington Historic Sites and Structures Inventory are subject to the Demolition Delay process.

Please contact Noah Sandweiss, Historic Preservation Manager for the City of Bloomington, at 812-349-3507 or [email protected]

Historic Resources and Preservation Map 

Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program

Any Class 2 structure intended for use as a residential rental property must meet the following requirements, in accordance with the Indiana Adopted Codes, and in order to receive a rental permit. Compliance shall be confirmed upon completion and at the time of application for a rental permit.

• Minimum bedroom dimensions: No bedroom shall be less than 70 sq ft and no less than 7 ft in any direction. 

• Egress: Every sleeping room shall have no less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. 

• Window Size: Net clear opening of no less than 5.7 sq ft. Grade or below grade openings shall have a net clear opening area of no less than 5 sq ft.

• Smoke Detectors in required locations:
  • Living area
  • Each bedroom
  • Each level
  • Basement ceiling near stairway

• HVAC may not be shared by units

• Plumbing may not be shared by units

• Electrical & GFCI’s must be in appropriate locations, as required by the Indiana Electrical Code.

Rental properties must be registered and inspected by HAND prior to being occupied by tenants. HAND will not inspect a property until the following conditions are met:

• A Certificate of Occupancy has been obtained from the Monroe County Building Department.
• A Certificate of Occupancy has been obtained from the City of Bloomington Fire Marshall.
• A verified address has been obtained from City of Bloomington Engineering.
• Within 45 days of completion of all other requirements, please submit the following documents to [email protected]:
  1. Copied of all items listed above.
  2. A completed Rental Property Registration Form
  3. A floor plan that includes dimensions of bedrooms for each style/type of unit (1BR, 2 BR, 3 BR). No bedroom shall be less than 70 sq ft and no less than 7 ft in any direction.
  4. A legal description of the property.
  5. Anticipated completion date.

PLEASE NOTE: Occupancy load is determined by zoning. Please confirm with the Planning and Transportation Department.

More information about how to obtain a Residential Rental Occupancy Permit through HAND's Residential Rental and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program.

More information about the City of Bloomington’s Class 2 Structures permitting process.