Moving to Bloomington, MN? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Bloomington, Minnesota may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 27 tracked ordinances across 10 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Noise Ordinances

Aircraft Noise: Bloomington is heavily impacted by MSP International Airport. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) manages noise abatement.

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Bloomington for details.

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Bloomington enforces weed abatement under local and state law. MN Stat.

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Bloomington for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Bloomington prohibits many commercial vehicles on residential property including boom trucks, cargo trucks, dump trucks, semi-tractors, tow trucks, and mobile construction equipment. Vehicles over 7 ft 6 in tall face additional restrictions.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (strict), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Bloomington for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Bloomington regulates swimming pool enclosures under City Code Sec. 14.443 (public/licensed pools, Chapter 14 Article V) and Sec.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Bloomington regulates floodplain development through City Code Sec. 21.208.01 (Flood Hazard (FH) Overlay District), adopted under the authority of Minn.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: Short-term rentals are prohibited in Bloomington under City Code Section 14.577(b), so the city does not collect a short-term rental license fee or a host-paid lodging tax on STRs. Bloomington does levy a 3 percent transient lodging tax on hotels, motels, and similar lodging establishments under authority of Minnesota Statutes Section 469.190, but that tax presumes a lawfully operating commercial lodging establishment, not a prohibited transient rental of a dwelling unit..

Also covered: Noise Rules (strict), Parking Rules (strict), Permit Requirements (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Bloomington for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Bloomington City Code §12.120 prohibits keeping or selling wild animals as pets. No person may keep any wild animal on their property.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate), Dog Leash Laws (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Bloomington for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Bloomington allows attached and internal ADUs in single-family zones under City Code §21.302.03. ADUs must have independent cooking, sanitary, and sleeping facilities.

Also covered: Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Bloomington for details.

Fence Regulations

Neighbor Fence Rules: Minnesota has no shared fence cost statute. Each property owner responsible for their own fence.

Also covered: Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Bloomington for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Minnesota law (MN §624.20-624.25) heavily restricts fireworks. Only non-explosive, non-aerial novelty items (sparklers under 100g, snakes, smoke devices) are legal for consumers.

Also covered: Fire Pit Rules (moderate), Outdoor Burning (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Bloomington for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Bloomington includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.