Forms & FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the general timeframe for a plan to be reviewed?

Plans are reviewed according to their queue in the system, which is based upon the date of submittal.  CBU strives to maintain a standard review timeline of 2-4 weeks for a full project review.  Review comments are then issued to the appropriate parties.  Requests for reviews of a minor revision outside of the normal queue process are reviewed at the discretion of the Project Reviewer(s).  Requests for a full review to be expedited will not be honored.  We appreciate your understanding of our policy to ensure that all projects receive the proper attention that they require for accuracy and turn-around time.

How will CBU contact me about my project?

A Notification of Receipt of Plans letter will be issued to those listed on the project review application, and it will include your project information, review team, and additional information as needed. Plans are reviewed based upon the date of submittal. CBU’s standard review timeline of 2-4 weeks will not be adjusted to accommodate requests for a full review to be expedited.  Reviews of a minor revision for correctness are at the discretion of the Project Reviewer(s).  A formal review letter will be issued once the team has completed their review.

How will I know if my plans are approved?

Upon project design approval, the City of Bloomington Utilities will issue an official letter of "Acceptance & Approval of Plans".  Once you receive this notification, you are ready to proceed to the next step.  If you wish to check on the status of your project review, you may contact your Project Review Team, call our Engineering Utilities Technician at (812)349-3676, or send an email to: UtilitiesPlanReview@bloomington.in.gov.

What is the next step after my project is approved?

CBU requires a Pre-Construction Meeting to be held PRIOR to the start of construction.  Contact the Utilities Technician at (812)349-3676 to schedule a meeting for your project.  Refer to our Pre-Construction Requirements Page for specific details of updated requirements.

How do I request existing utility location data?

Contact our Assistant GIS Coordinator via phone (812-349-3620), or email our office for a printed map.  

Who do I contact for Permits, Road and Sidewalk Closures, and Construction Bonding?

• IN CITY LIMITS:  Contact the City of Bloomington Planning & Transportation Department for all Grading Permits, Excavation & ROW Permits, Street or Sidewalk Closures, Construction Bonding, Site Inspections, etc.  If you have any questions, please contact the Planning and Transportation Department at (812) 349-3423, or send an E-mail to Planning@bloomington.in.gov.  Click here to visit their website.
• MONROE COUNTY / OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS:  Contact the Monroe County Building Department to inquire about Building Permits, Construction Site Inspections, and many other project types.  Click here to visit their website.
• IU CAMPUS AREA:  Building design and construction is managed by IU Capital Projects for all IU campuses. Projects include: new construction, additions, renovations, etc.  For questions or assistance, contact Steve Freeman at facrfs@indiana.edu or 812-855-1762.  Click here to visit their website.

How do I obtain a “Will Serve” Letter for my Lending Institution or another entity requesting service availability documentation?

Contact the Engineering Department by phone or email us: UtilitiesPlanReview@bloomington.in.gov with your request.  Include the site address, your name, mailing address, and a contact phone # or email address.

How do I request fire flow data?

Contact our Project Coordinator - New Services via phone (812-349-3689) or email your request to: UtilitiesPlanReview@bloomington.in.gov.  Include the site location, your name, your company, phone # & email address along with any other relevant details for your project.

How do I apply for a NEW CONNECTION for water and/or sewer?

Click here for more information.

What is the difference between changing an existing service into my name and applying for a new connection?

• Simply transferring an existing service into your name can be accomplished using our online forms (https://bloomington.in.gov/utilities/forms) or by stopping by our office. 
• A brand new location will not have ever had water or sewer service before.  A formal application will be required for approval.  CBU will create work order requests to make the tap and/or set the new service into the ground as part of this process.  The new service application is available below, or by calling our office and requesting one be emailed to you.  Choose between the residential application and the commercial/multi-family residential application according to the type of service you will require.  Send the completed application & customer contract to our office; be sure to complete the fixture count data section for proper meter sizing.  The approval process normally has a 2-week turn-around timeframe; please plan accordingly.  Projects requiring large meters should anticipate a 6-8 MONTH turn-around period for the approval and ordering of the meter.  All new service applications require payment up front before the service will be set and meter released.  Questions regarding this process should be directed to our Project Coordinator over New Services at (812)349-3689.

Where do I find the PWS and Peak Flow Demand information for my IDEM NOI Application?

Click here for the informational sheet.  It will be updated annually to reflect the most accurate figures for the 2-year period. 

Why am I required to install a Grease Interceptor if I’m building a new Commercial Development, but it will not include a restaurant or become a Food Service Establishment (FSE)? 

Any existing or new business that is designated as a Food Service Establishment (FSE), or a property that is zoned for FSE's fall within the applicability requirements of the Bloomington Municipal Code (BMC) 10.17.030

My project is not a Food Service Establishment, what other option(s) do I have in order to fulfill a Grease Interceptor requirement?

• Option 1: If your project does not include a FSE, and there are no plans for it to change in the future, then you can speak with the Pretreatment team to discuss the option of a Deed Restriction for your property which will prohibit it from ever developing into a FSE.  Email: Pretreatment@bloomington.in.gov to discuss this option.
• Option 2: Install the Grease Interceptor unit and plumb it to the building.

What sizes are available for Precast Concrete Grease Interceptors?

Typical sizes include: 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, and 3000 gallon units.

Are there any other types of acceptable Grease Interceptor devices than Precast Concrete?

Yes, please refer to our Pretreatment page for more information and useful links.

What departments will need to look over my plans?

There are too many factors involved in each type of project to have an answer that will cover every project equally; however the departments listed below represent a vast majority of the places that will want to look over your plans.  Please refer to their website or reach out to them directly if you have a specific question.

Monroe County Health Dept:     (website)

Monroe County Building Dept:     (website)

Monroe County Highway Dept:     (website)

City of Bloomington - Fire

City of Bloomington - Planning & Transportation Dept     (website)

Please visit the City of Bloomington Department Directory for a Staff Listing  (directory)

City of Bloomington Utilities - Plan Review & Project Inspection Team: