Parking Rules in Bloomington, MN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Bloomington or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bloomington has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

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. Permitted vehicles may park only in garages, on approved paved driveways, or unpaved driveways not required to be paved.

Key details: Prohibited Types: Boom, dump, cargo, semi-tractors, tow trucks. Height Limit: 7 ft 6 in (additional restrictions above). Allowed Locations: Garage or approved driveway only. City Code: Chapter 8 / §21.301.06.

Parking citations $50 to $250. Repeat violations: increased fines. HOA fines per CC&Rs.

Compared to other cities, Bloomington takes a harder line on commercial vehicle restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

RV & Boat Parking

RVs may not be parked on any public street for more than 12 hours in 24 hours without Police approval. RVs are never allowed on boulevard portions of rights-of-way. On residential property, outdoor RV storage requires hard-surfaced areas with setback compliance and visual screening.

Key details: Street Parking: Max 12 hours in 24-hour period. Boulevard Parking: Prohibited at all times. Outdoor Storage: Hard surface + screening required. City Code: §21.301.13.

Street storage violation: $50 to $100 citation. Repeat offenses: vehicle subject to tagging and towing. HOA fines separate from city enforcement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bloomington actively enforces its rv & boat parking requirements.

Driveway Rules

Bloomington requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.

Key details: Surface: Paved/improved required. Front Lawn: Parking prohibited. Modifications: Permit required. Topic: Driveway Rules.

Parking on unapproved surface: code compliance notice. Fines after correction period. Inoperable vehicles: removal order.

The Bottom Line

Bloomington is tougher than many cities when it comes to parking rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bloomington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Bloomington can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.