Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 9 § 9.16.01
DENSITY BONUS (Bloomington Housing Opportunity and Preservation Ordinance)
Operative Text
(a) To incentivize the creation of opportunity housing units, a residential development within a designated transit area and within zoning districts regulating development intensity through units per acre maximums qualify for the following density bonuses for each affordable unit provided at varying household income levels as follows: (1) Each extremely low and very low income household unit qualifies the overall development for two bonus dwelling units up to a maximum of a 50% increase over current zoning; and (2) Each low income household unit affordable to households at or below 60% of AMI qualifies the overall development for one bonus dwelling unit up to a maximum of a 50% increase over current zoning. (b) In no instance may density bonus units be allocated to parcels designated by the comprehensive plan for residential densities of less than five dwelling units per gross acre. (Ord. 2019-16 , passed 2-25-2019; Ord. 2021-1 , passed 3-8-2021)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 9.16.01 establishes a density bonus program for residential developments located in designated transit areas. Developers who include affordable units for extremely low, very low, or low income households (at or below 60% of AMI) can earn additional dwelling units beyond what base zoning would otherwise allow, up to a 50% increase. The bonus rate varies by affordability level: two extra units per extremely low or very low income unit, and one extra unit per low income unit. No density bonus units may be applied to parcels planned for fewer than five dwelling units per gross acre under the comprehensive plan.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 9.16.01, property owners and developers pursuing residential projects in Bloomington's designated transit areas can increase overall unit counts by incorporating affordable units into their plans. Compliant operators typically verify that their parcel falls within an eligible transit area and zoning district, calculate the applicable bonus units based on the income tiers of their affordable units, and confirm that the resulting density does not exceed the 50% cap or apply to low-density parcels. Keeping documentation of each affordable unit's income targeting is a standard practice for demonstrating eligibility under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9.16.01 is designed to encourage the production of more affordable housing units in Bloomington's transit areas by rewarding developers who include them. Tenants seeking housing in these areas may find a broader supply of units affordable to extremely low, very low, and low income households as a result of this incentive structure. Those with questions about whether a specific development complies with this provision, or about their rights as prospective or current residents of an affordable unit, can reach out to the City of Bloomington's planning or housing department or consult a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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