Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.11
PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIRED (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
In a case where screening, landscaping or other improvement to property are required by this code or by the plans approved for a building structure or alterations and additions to buildings or structures or other use of premises, a performance bond shall be required as a condition precedent to the issuance of the building or other permit. The amount of the bond shall be fixed by the issuing authority but shall not exceed twice the amount of the value of such required improvement as estimated by the issuing authority. The city may also accept, at its option, an irrevocable letter of credit, noninterest bearing cash deposit, or other instrument which provides an equal guarantee to the city. (1958 Code, § 35.30) (Ord. 259, passed 12-5-1960; Ord. 71-19, passed 3-15-1971, renumbered to § 35.18; Ord. 72-61, passed 11-20-1972, renumbered to § 35.09; Ord. 87-67, passed 9-28-1987)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.11 establishes that when a property improvement — such as screening, landscaping, or a structural alteration — is required either by code or by approved building plans, a performance bond must be secured before any related permit is issued. The bond amount is set by the issuing authority and is capped at twice the estimated value of the required improvement. As an alternative to a traditional bond, the city may accept an irrevocable letter of credit, a noninterest-bearing cash deposit, or a comparable financial instrument that provides equivalent assurance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15.11, property owners and managers who are undertaking permitted work that involves code-required or plan-required improvements generally arrange for a performance bond — or an accepted equivalent such as an irrevocable letter of credit or cash deposit — before the permit is issued. The issuing authority determines the bond amount, so operators typically obtain an estimate of the improvement's value early in the planning process to anticipate the financial commitment. Coordinating with the city's issuing authority ahead of permit application helps ensure that the chosen financial instrument meets the city's requirements and does not delay project timelines.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
§ 15.11 is primarily a property-improvement and permitting rule, but it has indirect relevance to tenants in that it helps ensure required site improvements — like landscaping or screening — are financially guaranteed before construction or renovation work begins. If a tenant believes that a landlord is proceeding with permitted work without having secured the required bond or equivalent instrument, that concern can generally be raised with Bloomington's building or permitting authority. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local ordinances can help residents understand how this provision interacts with their living conditions or any ongoing construction affecting their housing.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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