Co-Living and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Co-Living Standards

The City seeks to create more opportunity for housing affordable to families making 30% of Area Median Income. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) or co-living housing can provide deeply affordable dwellings to help meet this need. SROs can also expand the variety of housing types that are available to Bloomington residents. This project will involve studying SROs from a zoning and regulatory perspective. This study was shared with the Planning Commission, HRA, and City Council. Staff is drafting Code amendments to refine how SROs are developed and regulated in Bloomington. This project was included in the adopted 2024 Planning Commission Work Plan.

The Planning Commission reviewed the initial findings of the study at their June 20th, 2024 regular meeting. The staff report and presentation slides from the 06/20/24 meeting are available in the key documents tab on the right, and the meeting video is also available for viewing. The Planning Commission provided initial guidance on the topic. Staff also presented to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board at their regular meeting on June 25, 2024. The initial research and recommendations were presented to the City Council on July 15, 2024, the meeting video for which is also available for viewing.

Staff drafted concept City Code amendments for Planning Commission and City Council review for a second round of study sessions. At the joint Planning Commission and HRA Board meeting held on December 17, 2024 and the City Council meeting held on January 27, 2025, staff received feedback on drafted code language and policy. Staff is preparing a final ordinance and will soon schedule public hearings to be held at the Planning Commission and City Council.