Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.15
DEFINITIONS (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
The following words and terms as used in this Article II shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. BLOOMINGTON HISTORICAL REGISTER. A ranked listing of burial ground and historic sites which is hereby incorporated and made a part of this Article II as if set out in full. BURIAL GROUND SITE. Consists of primarily burial mounds and related earthworks that contain or has a high potential to contain human remains based on physical evidence and historical records and includes, without limitation, the burial ground sites in the Bloomington Historical Register . CLASS I SITES. Sites and improvements which rank highest in terms of associative value based on historical significance, architectural quality and community development impact and include the sites classified as such in the Bloomington Historical Register . CLASS II SITES. Sites and improvements which rank next highest in terms of associative value based on historical significance, architectural quality and community development impact and include the sites designated as such in the Bloomington Historical Register . DEMOLISH. When used with reference to buildings, structures or improvements , includes partial demolition of such buildings, structure or improvement . IMPROVEMENT. A building, structure, Indian mound, wall or other object constituting a physical betterment of real property. ORDINARY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. Consists of painting of previously painted surfaces, caulking, reglazing and maintenance activities which use materials and techniques of the period and in the identical design and usage of the improvement being maintained. (1975 Code, § ___) (Ord. 80-3, passed 1-28-1980; Ord. 2015-15, passed 5-18-2015)
Section 15.15 of Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the city's historic preservation article. It defines key terms such as 'Burial Ground Site,' 'Class I Sites,' 'Class II Sites,' 'Demolish,' 'Improvement,' and 'Ordinary Maintenance and Repair,' all of which are tied to the Bloomington Historical Register. These definitions set the interpretive boundaries for how the rest of Article II is applied to historic and culturally significant properties throughout the city.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating near or on sites listed in the Bloomington Historical Register should familiarize themselves with the definitions established in § 15.15, as these terms govern what activities are regulated under Article II. For example, the definition of 'Demolish' includes partial demolition, meaning even limited structural removal on a classified site may trigger regulatory review. Operators generally document whether their properties fall under Class I, Class II, or Burial Ground Site designations before undertaking any physical changes, and they distinguish between regulated alterations and 'Ordinary Maintenance and Repair' as defined in § 15.15.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in or near properties that may be listed on the Bloomington Historical Register should be aware that § 15.15 defines the terms that shape how historic preservation rules apply to their building. The distinction between 'Ordinary Maintenance and Repair' and more significant alterations, as well as the classification of a site as Class I or Class II, can affect what changes a landlord is permitted to make. Tenants who have concerns about preservation-related activity at their property may consult the city of Bloomington directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on how Article II definitions apply.
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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