Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.209
APPLICATION FOR PERMIT (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
No person shall erect or construct in the city any heating, refrigeration, ventilating or air conditioning system which is designed to be capable of using water in excess of ten gallons per minute where such water is intended to be disposed of through any storm sewer, sanitary sewer, creek, river, stream or any other wasteful manner, or where such water is pumped back into the ground, without first making application for a special permit therefor. Said special permit shall be in addition to any permit otherwise required from the heating inspector who shall refer the application to the City Engineer and the City Health Officer for investigation and recommendation. (1958 Code, § 47.01) (Ord. 96, passed 12-17-1956)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.209 establishes that any heating, refrigeration, ventilating, or air conditioning system designed to use more than ten gallons of water per minute — where that water would be discharged into a sewer, waterway, or the ground — requires a special permit before construction or installation begins. This special permit is separate from any standard heating permit and triggers a review process involving the City Engineer and the City Health Officer. The rule is aimed at ensuring that high-volume water-using systems receive additional governmental scrutiny before they are built.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers planning to install or construct HVAC, refrigeration, or related systems in Bloomington should be aware that § 15.209 requires a special permit application whenever a system is designed to use more than ten gallons of water per minute and disposes of or returns that water through sewers, waterways, or ground injection. Compliant operators typically secure this special permit before breaking ground or beginning installation, in addition to obtaining any standard heating permit. The application process involves referral to both the City Engineer and the City Health Officer, so operators generally account for that review timeline in their project planning.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Bloomington who are concerned about large water-using mechanical systems — such as commercial-scale HVAC or refrigeration equipment — being installed in their building may find it useful to know that § 15.209 requires landlords or builders to obtain a special permit for such systems before construction. If a system appears to have been installed without the required permit, tenants can inquire with the city's relevant permitting or inspection office about whether the proper approvals were obtained. Tenant-rights organizations or a housing attorney can help explain what options may be available if a violation of § 15.209 is suspected.
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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