Mayor Kerry Thomson

Page last updated on December 30, 2025 at 4:25 pm

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Bloomington Planning & Transportation Department is required to process the Certificates of Zoning Compliance (CZCs) related to building permits on properties with Class 2 structures in a new way. Previously, all building permit processes began with an application at the Monroe County Building Department. As a result of House Enrolled Act 1005, the CZC process for all permits related to Class 2 structures must be complete before an applicant can apply at the Monroe County Building Department. HEA 1005 has set up new deadlines for review and requirements for application. 

Since various City departments are involved in permitting for most building permits and the Monroe County Building Department is also subject to the new regulations in HEA 1005, the workflow for various departments will change in the CZC issuance process.

 

What is the State definition of a Class 2 structure, which are the structures affected by HEA 1005?

"Class 2 structure" means any part of the following:

  1. A townhouse or a building or structure that is intended to contain or contains only one (1) dwelling unit or two (2) dwelling units unless any part of the building or structure is regularly used as a Class 1 structure.
  2. An outbuilding for a structure described in subdivision (1), such as a garage, barn, or family swimming pool, including an above ground swimming pool, unless any part of the outbuilding is regularly used as a Class 1 structure.

(b) Subsection (a) does not include a vehicular bridge.

(c) For purposes of subsection (a)(1), "townhouse" means a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three (3) or more attached units in which each unit:

  1. extends from foundation to roof;
  2. is not more than three (3) stories in height;
  3. is separated from each adjoining unit by;

(A) two (2) one (1) hour fire-resistance rated walls with exposure from both sides; or

(B) a common two (2) hour fire-resistance rated wall; and

  1. has open space on at least two (2) sides.

Please see below for the process to determine what type of permit is needed, and to see what the requirements are for application.

Process and Requirements for Class 2 Structure Review

The Schedule of Requirements for Applying for and Obtaining a Certificate of Zoning Compliance for a Class 2 Structure lists the required plan reviews & inspections, review timeline, fees, requirements for a complete application, contact requirements, and information about utilizing a private provider. To better explain the new process, more information is included below for reference.

What CZCs are affected?

  • Single-Family Residence (detached)
  • Single-Family Residence (attached)
  • Duplex
  • Townhomes of 3 stories or less
  • Any work requiring a building permit from the Monroe County Building Department on a property with a primary structure listed above, such as a remodel or accessory structure.

 

What CZCs are not affected?

  • Commercial/Mixed-Use
  • Multifamily
  • Industrial
  • Institutional
  • Office
  • Any non-Class 2 structure
  • Any work requiring a building permit from the Monroe County Building Department on a property with a primary structure listed above, such as a remodel or accessory structure.

 

Determine whether or not a Class 2 Structure Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) is required.

  • If the project is commercial, non-residential, or mixed-use, apply with the Monroe County Building Department. There are no process changes.
  • If the project is a Class 2 structure (single-family, duplex, townhomes up to 3 stories), apply online via CivicAccess. There is a new process due to HB 1005.

 

If you need a Class 2 Structure CZC review, follow the NEW permit process.

  • The first pre-requisite to apply for a Class 2 Structure Certificate of Zoning Compliance (CZC) is an Utility Authorization letter from City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU). This is required prior to applying with Planning and Transportation.
  • If the property is in a historically regulated area, contact the Historic Preservation Program Manager, Noah Sandweiss, prior to applying with Planning and Transportation. If applicable, this is required prior to applying with Planning and Transportation.
  • If the property is in a floodplain, apply for a Floodplain Development Permit (FDP) via CivicAccess prior to applying for a Class 2 Structure CZC.
  • If all the pre-requisites have been met, apply for a Class 2 Structure CZC online via CivicAccess.
    • Login or create an account with CivicAccess.
    • Complete all required fields and submit the necessary plans for review.
    • The Planning Department has 3 days to determine if an application is complete.

 

A Planner will work with you to determine whether or not your application is complete. The best way to have an application move through the process quickly is to submit a complete application. Guidance for a complete application can be found at the 'Schedule of Requirements' link above.

  • If incomplete, a Planner will identify the deficiencies and notify the applicant who can re-apply with revisions at any time.
    • After receiving revisions, a Planner has 3 days to determine if an application is complete.
    • This process repeats until an application is complete.
  • If complete, a Planner will notify the applicant.
    • A Planner has 7 days to review the permit submission.
    • The permit is issued.*
      • *There are various caveats related to mutual timeline agreement and reviewers. See HB 1005 for details or contact a Planner with questions about the process.